[Elora]

"....... and that's how it was done," the old hobbit announced with obvious pleasure and more than his fair share of curiosity. Uien smelt the end of the long tale coming and brightened a subtle measure.

"A fine story to while away a busy afternoon, Master Hobbit," she said with a kind smile. "It will cheer me whilst I help Aman keep ahead of the pints." She began to rise, smoothing her skirts and trying desperately not to run away before the elderly hobbit cranked up again. Despite his age, though, he was quick. His hand was featherlight but tenuous. It wrapped around her wrist. Uien had two choices. Walk away and drag the talkative oldtimer after her, or remain to listen longer. After a moment of contemplation for the former option, she decided to listen a while longer. The hobbit cackled and struggled to lean up on his toes. Uien was not going to sit, oh no! She watched him wheeze with the effort, a canny hobbit as he was, and bent her ear.

"They say that there are ships still at the Havens," he whispered conspiratorially. Uien was entirely unsure where this was going, and so cautiously responded, "I do not know, good sir." He waved that aside like an annoying gnat. "That's what they say, make no mistake. Ships that have taken hobbits before, like Crazy Baggins and that other whipersnapper.... what was his name.... odd fellow like his uncle...."

"Frodo Baggins," Uien carefully said with deep reverence for the Ring Bearer that had ended Sauron's dominion. "Yes," said the old hobbit, seizing on the name, "That's the fellow. I gots to thinking.... Those Bagginses, they had contacts... friends in high places. If they can gets themselves a place on a ship, why can't I? All I need is a... friend..." He smiled winsomely up at her and Uien found her struggle was to not laugh. He mistook her silence for something else and sighed windily.

"I can make it worth your while," he added a little ruefully, disappointed that his charm had not been all that was necessary and wondering why those odd Bagginses had managed to wheedle their way onto a elven ship. Uien patted the old hobbit's hand fondly.

"It is a long journey even from here to the Haven's. Two days ride, longer still by wagon. I doubt you will find a ship waiting at harbour once you arrived," she said and he seemed crestfallen. "But, should you make that arduous journey, and find a ship, then you may have my place." The old hobbit brightened. He grinned at her in joy as his grandson at last returned from the crowded bar with two pottery tankards. Uien straighted as he nodded gratefully at her. As the old hobbit gushed thanks, his grandson shot her a quizzical look.

"The Havens," he asked and Uien nodded. "I'm terrible sorry about that, my lady," he awkwardly said. "He's been on about the Havens ever since it were first heard that the Bagginses took ship."

"The ships do not leave any longer, or so I believe. But if there is a ship, your grandfather is welcome to my berth for I have no need of a Westward journey. Only, do not have him come to the harbour and find none waiting. Go to the towers, climb them. You will see a ship if it is there. Do not expect to see one at all. Mayhaps he will find some peace in his days now that he has a berth." The grandson, mystified, nodded and Uien took her leave.

Aman was lost behind a crowd of customers all seeking ale. Uien took up the battle against the tide of empty tankards. Over the hubbub, Uien smiled across to Aman. The innkeeper returned a warm grin of her own. "Some things do not change," Uien observed as she handed back four full tankards and received another three empty ones for her trouble. Aman laughed, "Not round here, Uien." When she had the chance, Aman would speak to her and Uien could ask her questions. For now, she was happy to help as she had upon a time, for behind the bar she was afforded an excellent view of the common room. Indeed of one particular table, and one particular man who sat there in contentment. Her Laurëatan.

"My name ain't Laurëatan, but it can be if it gets me my ale," grinned a customer at her. Uien flushed and returned to the task at hand, handing him a full tankard and an apologetic smile. The bar, during the busy afternoon session, was not the place to drift in daydream. Despite that, Uien's eyes could not help but always wonder back to Falowik and sometimes when she looked up she found she met with his own gaze. At such times, all thought of all, tankards and a busy bar fled right out of the window.

"Hopeless," Aman muttered goodnaturedly at her. Uien sighed and looked back to Aman. "Absolutely,' she said without a trace of remorse.