The Green Dragon Inn - Part 5

Talia smiled at the girl's gift. "Thank you. Come, you can give it to him yourself; I'll introduce you." Going over to the unlocked stall, she pulled open the door and went inside. Taking Sunrunner's bridle, she led him out, his coat glistening in the midday sun. "Here he is," she said. "He's carried me far, and we've known each other for at least half our lives. I came here from Gondor, stopped at Mirkwood, where I got him, and travelled the rest of the time. As for my profession, I go wherever there is music needed or a story to be taken down. I guess you could call me a bard, then."

Talia regarded the girl thoughtfully. "You've come far, then, if you were strong enough to survive an Orc attack. Such strength is not commonly found, especially from one so young. Tell me, Willofain, and please don't think me rude, but I'm curious where you got that necklace. If you don't want to answer, you don't have to." She stepped back to consider the girl as Sunrunner nickered and nudged Willofain's hand, crunching contentedly on the apple, his eyes bright.

"Well, if Sunrunner here finds you in good order, I suppose there is no reason to doubt you. He's an excellent judge of character, Runner, and I trust his word...or lack thereof," Talia said, chuckling softly. "Of course...your duties are to be getting on with. May I help?" Her golden eyes glittered with interest.

-Talia Forthbound-