The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter

[Folwren]

Wren wasn’t half as hungry as Tim was, and by the time she was finished, he had already gotten seconds. She turned around and sat on the bench, waiting for him to be through, while she watched the other people. The dancing had stopped for a little while, for the musicians had taken a break. There were still several people milling about. She turned her head this way and that, catching sight of a few strangers who, though still unknown, she’d seen earlier that day.

Suddenly her eyes lit on two figures walking up towards the party gathering. She sprang to her feet. “Tim, Tim! It’s Woody and Hanson! Look they’re over there. Can I go say hello? Please Tim?”

Tim turned his head, spotted the two hobbit children, and answered his sister, but she was already gone. Hadn’t waited for an answer to her question anyway, he noticed. He watched as she ran across the lawn towards them and then turned back to his plate of food. If she didn’t bring them back to where he was after meeting them, he’d be much surprised.

Wren had started across the lawn even before Tim had quite caught sight of Woody and Hanson. As she drew near, she slowed her pace and approached more slowly. Her shyness of the previous evening came back, slightly, but not so much to keep her from speaking.

“Hello,” she said, when she reached them. “How are you?”

[Undómë]

Now this was certainly the night for new sensations. There had been the ale, of course, a warm blurring of sight and thought. And really, very, very tasty. She would admit to herself now that Farael had been right in steering her away from another pint, at that moment, at least - her guard had been down, her judgment hazy.

There had been the dancing. The Halfling’s music was far more lively than the Elvish music she had grown up with. The vigorous steps had done wonders to clear her head of the ale’s after effects. She laughed to herself wondering if she dared try another mug – one of that darker brew that looked so tantalizing. Perhaps a smaller mug and one drunk more slowly. But that would have to wait; especially as Farael had been quite specific in mentioning their next drink would be water. I wonder how often he’s had too much ale . . . and was this the “cure” he himself figured out for it?

Now there was the kiss . . . the touch of his lips ever so softly on her fingers. And what was she to make of that? It was not something her Mother had covered in her little lessons on courtesies and comportment, as bowing and the depth of curtseys had been. Should she kiss him back? Is that what was expected after dancing and a drink? He had kissed the backs of her fingers – was she to return the favor in kind and kiss the backs of his?

As she was considering this problem, a woman had lurched out of the crowd and clumsily bumped into her. She’d apologized readily enough and steadied Teluyaviel with one hand. All the while smiling prettily.

Telu laughed and clapped her hands. ‘A grand party this is turning out to be! You must be one of those sleight of hand tricksters come to entertain the guests. Do I have the right of it? Did you come with the traveling players that are here?'

With a twinkle in her own eyes, Telu reached quickly out and retrieved the small silken pouch which had so recently hung from her waist on a cord; her slender, deft fingers barely touching the women as she did so. 'I think you must needs have a little more practice before you try your tricks on another Elf, though.'

[Farael]

"wow, she is skilled... and Telu is not as drunk as I feared. But then she is an elf. Well, obviously she hasn't met many thieves back at her home place." Farael thought.

-"Well, M'lady I must say I would have never noticed this girl's... trick... yet I believe we men have a different name for people of her kind. Most definetly not tricksters. " started he, before noticing the look on Telu's eyes. He couldn't ruin the party for her. "Yet it matters not now... and yet I'm still thirsty, I have just seen the most wonderful looking jar of lemonade on the table over there... and don't think I have not noticed how you were eyeing that ale nearby! ' he laughed "But if I may give you a bit of advise, the effects might not be as far gone as they seem to be. Come now, I'm sure our friendly trickster will be around later. But then, maybe she will not run into us again"

Farael started towards the table, not daring to look back. The girl was far too innocent looking, how could she do something like that? and what was he to do? he knew how to deal with thieves, but he had assumed they would always be men! No, she better not run into them again. For Farael's sake, rather than hers.

[JennyHallu]

'I think you must needs have a little more practice before you try your tricks on another Elf, though.'

Losse laughed, cheerfully accepting her failure. She was good, very good, and this woman was not by any means the first elf she had burgled, but the woman's tolerance must be incredible. She'd watched her drown herself in ale, had seen the woman's unsteady steps on the floor, and the flush in her cheeks was still bright. No one sobers up that fast! There's a skill I'd like to learn.

"You caught me, Lady. 'Tis a beautiful purse, at that, better than mine and certainly heavier," she said, with a wink at the delightfully flummoxed man beside her. "But I only meant to get your attention. Somehow this got into my pocket..." With a theatrical flourish Losse presented the woman with a delicately jeweled hairpin, a perfect match to the others in her hair. "My name is Losse," she said into the moment of surprise. "I heard your companion mention lemonade...I'm new here and know no one. Would I be too forward if I asked to join your party?"