The bright coin tumbled end over end in the air, catching the light as it arced upward, winking at Buttercup as she watched it descend and fall easily into Ruby’s ready hand. ‘I did pour the ale for those two,’ she said, her eye on Ruby’s closed fist as she walked back to the bar where Buttercup stood.
Ruby laughed at her friend, standing there hands on hips, and expectant look on her face. ‘Aww! You know I’ll share with you, dear heart! But isn’t it nice to have a bit of silver of my own in my fist!’ She gave the coin to Buttercup who turned it over to have a look at both sides.
‘Must be one of those new ones the High King’s put out,’ Buttercup said, looking closely at the side view of some man’s face on the one side and a tree with stars on the other. ‘Pretty, it is.’ She hefted the coin in her hand, feeling the slight weight of it. ‘Wonder how many silver Shire pennies it’s worth?’
The needs of the customers in the inn were at a lull for the moment. The two Hobbits leaned their elbows on the bar top and surveyed the room. ‘Think he’s some sort of noble fellow,’ Ruby asked, nodding slightly at the man all in black. ‘Dunno,’ said Buttercup, giving him a critical look. ‘Could well be. Looks more than those errand-riders we get in here once in a while. You suppose he knows the King?’
Several moments passed as they eyed Belegund. ‘And what about that other fellow? Did you catch his name,’ asked Buttercup.
‘It’s Eo- something or other. I couldn’t quite hear it all. One of those Rohan names, like Miz Aman’s friends, I’m sure.’ Ruby grinned at Buttercup as she continued. ‘That Belegund, now he seems seems smooth as silk in his manners, doesn’t he. But look at the Rohan fellow, he’s a bit twitchy, don’t you think?’
Further consideration of the two Big Folk gentlemen was forestalled as Cook called firmly from the kitchen door that it was time to get lunch ready to serve . . .
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