[Alcarillo]

Alcarillo ate his breakfast in silence, watching the visitors to the inn eat and talk. He spread some jam on his bread and munched on it thoughtfully, then moved on to the eggs and then the bacon. He sipped his tea, watching two other Elves find their seats near the fireplace. Alcarillo spread some honey on another slice of bread and thought of the quaint rustic-ness of the hobbits. Quite interesting creatures, he thought, and very kind and generous. I should visit this land again one day.

A clatter rang across the common room, and heads turned from their breakfast and towards the kitchen door, where someone had dropped a tray full of dirty dishes. Alcarillo saw an embarrassed Ruby standing with the mess spread about in front of her and extending to the feet of one of the two Elves who sat near the fireplace, now standing before her. Oh dear, he must’ve caught her unaware, Alcarillo thought, and she does seem a bit uncomfortable among Elves. Alcarillo recalled her ashamed expression when he introduced himself. Alcarillo took another bite of his bread and considered helping her clean the mess, if nobody else does, I will. For now he remained in his seat, feeling a bit of pity and compassion for the poor hobbit maiden.