[elf-girl-63]

Aranel enjoyed the music, and smiled inwardly as she was swept away by the cheering voices of the hobbits and the energetic sounds of their instruments. The lyrics were simple and happy, they spoke of optimism and a life with little pain. She readily joined in with clapping when necessary and at one point found her feet steadily tapping to the beat. Considering she had little musical talent, more of a respect for those who could conjure up such melodies, she was quite surprised. But then again, it seemed anything was possible in this little inn of apparently little consequence.

When the lady had arrived earlier that afternoon, those had been her thoughts; the Green Dragon was a place to stop and rest her weary feet and fill her empty stomach. Now she was reluctant to leave it and knew the 2 nights she had paid for wouldn't be her last in this hubbub of activity. In fact, tomorrow she must speak to a server or someone and extend her stay... but not now... now need to interrupt anyone now...

Aranel awoke with a start. She had dozed off on her comfortable velvet-backed chair and looked around to see Ferdy carrying back several tankards of ale for his band friends. She blinked in the dim light of the inn, wondering how long she'd been asleep.

"Ah Miz Aranel, you're awake I see. Just as I return with drinks and all!" seeing her confused look he explained, "You fell asleep after all that merry-making. Though don't worry now, you've just been 'resting your eyes' as they say, why its only been 20 minutes or so. The lads and I are just taking a break then we'll be back up in a jiffy."

She smiled sleepily but was keen to hear more music so nodded at the band, "Are you friends then? Why I am not surprised. Ferdy here seems to know everyone in this inn. Would you introduce me?"

"'Course, I'd be honoured. There's Tomlin and Fallon- the fiddlers, Gil- him with the concertina and Ferrin with his new drum. Yes that's everyone."

Aranel surveyed the young hobbits all laughing and joking and again felt her spirits rise. She was drinking from her tankard when Gil spoke up, "Tell us Miss Aranel. You are from Gondor I hear so you must've travelled a good distance to reach us in Bywater. Surely you know some songs..."

Aranel saw Ferdy tense when Gil mentioned her homeland but she didn't mind this evening. The rich food and lively comapny had relaxed her so she nodded, "Yes. I've heard a great many along the way but I'm afraid I've no great singing voice."

The hobbits spoke up in objection and she blushed as she tried to persuade her to sing, just a verse at least. Eventually she succumbed and agreed to sing at their table, softly so that none of the other customers would hear. The hobbits smiled with their achievement and settled back to enjoy a new song.

She chose one that her nanny had taught her when she was young, about said Nanny's home village outside of the city. It was a bittersweet song- not entirely melancholy but neither completely joyful either. Aranel ended up singing the whole thing and when she had finished, awaited her audience's response.