The Green Dragon

[Orual]

"It seems we're both very untidy, Rie," she laughed. "You should see my room back home!"

Rie laughed aloud, trying to imagine this elegent Elf's room as messy as her own. At home, there wasn't a bedroom--and quite often wasn't a room, period--that didn't require quick reflexes and nimble feet to navigate. She and her twin were terrible housekeepers, and her remaining brothers weren't much better. (Talormë would beg to differ, but Rie had been into his room more than once.)

Giggling off the remains of her mirth, Rie began to trace patterns on the bedspread with her finger. "Well, as I said, this is my first time travelling. I do not know if you overheard my conversation with Pio, since I was none too quiet, but I just recently ran away from my father's house to try and find myself some adventure. My father is Almarien, a Ranger, and I am the only girl in a family of young men who will all grow up to be warriors." She grinned wryly. "I am sorely mistaken if I've not found myself in an adventure already! That poor man, Barodir...well, that threw me for a loop, no mistake. I'd never seen such an injury." Rie shivered, then looked Nurumaiel in the eyes. "I am as young as I look, and more naive. But I think that here at the Inn, I shall find a place to come into my own. No doubt about it." She laughed again, and began to fiddle with her scarlet hair.

"It's a nice place, this," she said, half to herself. "Good people. Some strange people, but the Shire-folk are honest and kind. Much like the people that I know from my own country. Strange that such a haven for adventurers would lie in such a peaceful country!" Rie smiled. "But, strange things are all we have, often, in these times. But tell me, Nurumaiel, what brings you to the Shire?"