[piosenniel]

theWhiteLady's post

Rose was delighted to see that Mith and Bird had arrived safely before her, but she was even more pleased to be greeted by the famous Butterbur. Cami had often told her of the fat innkeeper and his part in the War of the Ring, and Rose laughed to herself as she saw his voluminous figure bustling around in exactly the manner she had imagined.
“Well now, what can I do for you, little miss?” he noticed her standing uncertainly behind the counter and gave her a kindly smile.

“A room for a few night’s stay, if you please.” She replied, raising her chin to look into the man’s red face.

“Of course! I’ve got a wonderful cozy room on the first floor that will fit you just right, and if you’ll leave it here, I’ll have your bag taken up in half a moment.” Butterbur moved away with a quickness that belied his bulk.

Rose was delighted he seemed too busy to ask many questions, and after freshening up a bit, made her way into the common room for a bite to eat and perhaps a bit of local gossip that might help Mithadan and Bird. The room was dim with smoke emerging in blue and grey curls from the pipes of many of the hobbits and men gathered, a larger crowd than Rose had expected. A very obvious division seemed to be made between the two kindred; the men were gathered together by the bar while the hobbits huddled around smaller tables near the hearth in which a small fire blazed, only adding to the stifling atmosphere of the room. Rose wished only to be back in her room, snuggling under the cool covers but her mission, and her stomach forced her feet in the opposite direction, and she was soon surrounded by the local hobbit folk who questioned her most enthusiastically about news from the Shire. Word of the kidnappings had reached the inn, and many dark looks were shot towards the men talking loudly at the bar as Rose spoke of the most recent disappearance of Fosco, careful not to mention any names.

“I”ve heard tell that the trail seemed to lead up this way,” she whispered, her curly head leaning in close to the circle of listeners. A few older hobbits nodded sagely, and one spoke out. “It’s this Bill Ferny.” he spoke bitterly. “Every since he’s come back, none of us have had a moments peace. Everyone knows he hates us, since his great hopes were scattered in the War. Some say he’ll do anything to get his revenge.”

“And now a lot of strange big folk have been seen around Bree, some asking where his plantation is.” Another red-haired hobbit spoke out in a louder tone. “Why, one of them came in today asking questions, and he didn’t look, nor smell, none too fair either. Had a young lady with him that gave a me look fit to fry! They weren’t up to no good, I can tell you that right now.”

“Now then, Toman, not all the big folk are mean; sometimes it’s just hard to separate the good ones from the bad ones.” The first hobbit had turned back to address Rose now. “You’d just best be careful with whom you talk, but if you stick with us, we’ll make sure no harm comes to you while you stay here.”

Rose smiled and thanked her new companions for the offer before retiring back to her room. It was late, and she had walked the whole day. It sounded like Mith and Bird had got the information they needed, and right now, all she needed was a good night’s rest on a real bed. Which is, of course, just what she got.

[ May 09, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]