[Roa_Aoife]

Roa started as Snaveling addressed her. Warily she sat down, upwind and on the other side of Toby. She avoided people when they were smoking unless it was nescessary to approach them. And after his comment about Gondor and Rohan, she also thought to keep a wary distance. Roa did not know the state of Snaveling's mind, but the look on his face made her heedful. She looked to Toby who began speaking. Roa bit back a smile at that mention of Frodo and Bilbo. She had heard Mithrandir speak of the later fondly before he sialed west, and her own Lord had talked with warmth of Frodo, and Sam, and Merry, and Pippin. Prince Legolas and Gimli the dwarf she had met herself, and she was truly honored.

When Toby had finished, they looked at her expectantly. Roa thought a moment, then began her own tale. "As you know, I am a Dunedain, a Ranger of the North. For the most part, I lived in the wild, in the deep woods, not far from here. Long we defended theses lands from the evils in the East. In the final battle, our king called for us to aid him in Gondor. At that time our vigilance left these lands and went south, and for the hardship that aspired here, I am truly sorry." Toby just looked at her with a disaproving stare, which was returned by one of her own. "Believe me when I sasy things would have been far worse had we not gone.

"I was not allowed to go into the battle, on the excuse of my gender and age." Roa regretted this to no end. When she heard tale of Eowyn, the Lady of Rohan, and her exploits on the field, she felt great admiration for her. Indeed, she had sought to speak with her, but she was badly injured. Continuing she said, "I lost many kin in that battle. My brother was among them." Roa puased. After a moment of sadness, she shook herself and the usual underlying mirth returned.

"Afterward, we lived in the White City, our home by right." this was said with emphasis as she sent a dangerous look toward Snaveling. "After sometime there, I grew tired of the exposed life there. I sought the approval of my king to travel back North, for a time. I have traveled alone, keep to the routes known to my people, hiding when nescessary. I was given rest and aid at Rivendell, and then came here. I now want a peacceful existence until my King calls for me again."

Turning to Snaveling, she added,"If what you have said is true, then your people may have been wronged. When the time comes, you may travel with me to see King Elessar. He will listen to your case. My Lord is a fair man, not bound by the politics of court. You will be heard. After, we will return you to wherever you wish, with escort to save you from harm, or alone if you wish." That was her story. How they would react, and what they would think, she did not know, nor did she care.

"Snaveling, you do not look well. You will not work today, afterall. I hope you can find a good place to rest. The stables will be quiet all day while the workers are out." Snaveling looked unabashedly shocked. Roa finished her soup, and rose to join Valthalion in labor.