[Mithalwen]

Mithalwen had gone with Mr Headstrong to Camille's house (Marigold had been well enought to be left briefly under the kindly watch of the inn staff), and having briefly examined Rory in the privacy of his own home she had born him back to the inn. She had considered taking the gentle Aeglos, but she knew that Falco was unlikely to approve of her letting any hobbit child ride any horse so soon aftwer Marigold's accident. Besides the distance was short and the frail child was a slight burden to the elf.

"Can you help him miss?" , the mother had asked, not quite believing that her humble home had been visited by this exotic being. Mithalwen found it strange to be treated with such awe - amongst her own people she was quite unremarkable and the last time she had spent much time with mortals it had been Numenoreans of the generation of Elendil and his sons, who were not fazed by the mere presence of the Eldar.

"I would speak with another of my kindred back at the inn before, I say for certain - but I think I may be able to help even if if I cannot heal". The boy was not paralysed, but his limbs were weak and slightly distorted. Mithalwen hoped that maybe with calipers and strengthening exercise Rory might be able to walk, maybe in time even the limbs might take a better alignment as they grew - but that was what she needed to consult Uien about - the healer would have a better idea of mortal development. Mithalwen knew she could construct the braces - if the smith would lend her his forge ... or rent it to her. She sighed. Although she had some tools with her, she hadn't the right materials and these would have to be paid for: another unexpected expense. Now only she begrudged that wastrel Snaveling the meals she had bought him. It was clear that the boy's family would be hard pressed to pay for the iron and leather she would require.

Maybe the smith would let her pay in kind. Though he could shoe horses well enough himself she knew and she doubted that these rustic folk would have a call for the fine work she excelled at, but she perhaps should try. Either that or she would have to take measurements to Rivendell and the boy wait for her return. That would not be ideal - for such things need to be tailored precisely to the owner with many fittings. That would take time and to prolong her stay at the inn would also cost money. If necessary she could camp she supposed, like Uien and Falowik. She had some silver wire in her baggage - maybe if she made some jewellery she might find some buyers - just simple items that would not stretch a hobbit purse too far and would make enough pennies to finance her stay. It was a possibility at least.

Such were the elf's thoughts as she returned the inn. She was glad that Mr Headstrong and the boy's mother had occupied each other in conversation during the journey, and that Rory was still too much in awe to ask as many questions as his sister. Though the damp day had faded into a clear evening (Mithalwen thought briefly and slightly ruefully that it would have been a good night for travelling, had she not let herself get involved in the plight of various mortals), nevetheless the light and warmth emanating from the fires and lanterns of the inn were welcome - especially to the hobbit child who stirred with excitement as he saw them. The elf had noticed how much colder the family's home had been - it did not bother her much but she knew that such things affected mortals more.

The common room was a lot fuller than when they had left both with local hobbit folk and it seemed some new travellers. Mithalwen was pleased to see Uien and having placed Rory gently in the windowseat that marigold was happy to share. She went over to the table where she sat with Falowik and another mortal man. She greeted Them all openly but saved the details of her mission for silent communication with Uien "Uien, you are a healer , may I have your counsel...?"