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It was some time before Tulip or Sharya spoke again. They were both deep in their own thoughts, both sitting with their arms tightly folded and a frown on their face. Tulip for one did this quite often. Ever since she was old enough to start questioning the world around her she had spent many hours lying outside staring up at the stars. Her father had often told her off for being “away with the fairies” so frequently. Her mother, on the other hand, had strongly defended Tulip on this matter, saying it was a good way to develop her mind, training it not to take things for granted, but instead question why they were there and for what purpose. As well as questioning the world, Tulip often studied the behaviour of those around her, and as a result had become an excellent judge of character. Tulip’s mind was in the process of becoming that of a philosopher. Many people back in Rohan had told her to stop being a “silly little girl” when she shared her theories with them, but some listened, though only to forget a few days later.
Suddenly remembering where she was, Tulip looked up to see Sharya deep in thought. “What’s on your mind,” she asked.
“Oh, nothing.”
Sharya’s reply seemed rushed, suggesting to Tulip that her friend was hiding something, just as she herself was. She considered pursuing the matter, but she’d only just met Sharya, so thought better than to start prying in on her private life. She decided instead to talk of the present.
“So what brings you to the Shire?” Tulip asked. “I meant to ask you earlier, but got caught up in my thoughts. And where are you from, if you don’t mind my asking? Unlike you, I’m not very good at working out where people come from by their hair colour.”
Sharya smiled, then laughed, glad to be distracted from her dark thoughts. “I’m from Gondor.” She thought about what she could say to answer her companion’s other question without directly lying. “I came here to get away from things.” It wasn’t lying, but Sharya still felt guilty for not being completely honest.
“It’s so lovely here in the Shire,” Tulip replied, not seeming to have noticed Sharya’s slightly guilty expression. “I can see why you’d want to come here to get away.” Tulip looked out of the window, and was slightly dissapointed by the sight of grey clouds. She wouldn’t let the weather spoil her good mood she decided.
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