Domen Berrypatch looked at the Green Dragon Inn with a gladdened eye. All the old Hobbit wanted was a nice set down to rest his tired bottom. Why, even his bones seemed to creek as much as his old wooden wagon did when he slowly eased down off of it. Apple seemed to be glad for the respite as well, the poor little pony had been plodding through the Shire since sun-up.
Dusting off his worn brown travelling coat, Domen walked up to pat Apple's neck, then gave her a nice carrot for a treat. Then he limped over to the stable doors to find a stable boy. One popped up shortly and eagerly unhitched Apple from her harness after having her steer the wagon to a safe resting spot.
Smiling he gave the boy a coin. "And there will be a lil' more 'o that when I pick her up, if she's treated well an' all," Domen winked and ruffled the boys hair before striding off toward the Inn's door.
Upon entering the common room he noticed several odd characters to be dining in the Shire. He even took a few back glances at some that looked like they might be Elves. Giving a large shrug, the old Hobbit ambled over to a small table and fell into one of the chairs. Dragging another chair over he leaned back and put his left leg up on it; the leg was ever so stiff from riding all day.
Soon a nice serving lady came over and asked what he'd like.
"Oh," Domen said, rubbing his chin with one hand and patting his belly with the other. "I think I'll just do with a bit o' ale, and some bread, cheese... mayhap a piece of friut. Have ya got any stew prehaps?" Before the Inn worker could answer he continued on. "Naw, no stew fer me. Got to get back going on the road. Cousin Dawn Brandybuck wouldn't like if I was late with her personal shipment, see? Right then, I'll have good cup o' ale, half loaf of bread and nice chunk o' cheese. That'll do it right."
[ July 31, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]
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