In the Shadow of the Star: Part 1 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

piosenniel · 04-16-2003, 02:21 PM

To anyone in the Inn who looked their way, it was simply a couple, leaning close together, sharing something. Perhaps details of their day, perhaps talk of what the babies would be named. Their voices were low, and often he bent his head to hers, touching it briefly, and at such times, no words passed between them.

Behind the bar, serving the customers who had come in late from the search, Gilly watched them. Piosenniel’s posture was taut, and her hand often strayed to her neck, rubbing it as Mithadan spoke to her. He had pulled his chair very near her, his left elbow resting on the table, left hand gesturing as if to tick off points. His right arm went protectively round her tight shoulders, his fingers twining in a strand of her hair. Piosenniel’s gaze was focused on the table in front of her, eyes narrowed and her face pale.

Gilly drew a pint of ale and fixed a small glass of watered wine. Placing them on a wooden serving tray, she drew nearer the two. Their backs were turned to her, and so engrossed were they in their conversation that they did not hear her approach, her soft steps fading behind the noisy talk of those who had come in from the search.

‘Once this starts I will not be able to be with you. They will have to think that I am truly with them,’ Gilly heard Mithadan say. ‘It will take that to convince them I am trustworthy enough to be let in on things.’ She saw Piosenniel take a deep breath, her lips parting as if to speak. Mithadan’s eyes searched her grey ones. ‘If you wish it, Piosenniel, I will put this task aside and stay with you.’

‘You have thought it out well, I think, Mithadan. And though your plan seems more dangerous than I had thought or hoped, it is a sound one.’ She looked at him, smiling ruefully. ‘You know I will not ask you to stay. I only wish that I could go with you.’ She leaned forward and kissed his brow. ‘I will save the naming for you until your return. We will celebrate then, when the task is done.’

They grew quiet as Gilly drew up to the table, and they noted her presence. ‘Some refreshment for you, Mister Mithadan and for you, Mistress Piosenniel.’ The Hobbit smiled and bobbed a small curtsy, withdrawing to the bar where a few thirsty Hobbits had queued up.

Piosenniel took a small sip of her wine, and leaned in close to Mithadan, again. ‘Bird,’ she said low to him, ‘have you spoken with her yet . . .’

[ April 17, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

04-16-2003, 02:21 PM	#11
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	To anyone in the Inn who looked their way, it was simply a couple, leaning close together, sharing something. Perhaps details of their day, perhaps talk of what the babies would be named. Their voices were low, and often he bent his head to hers, touching it briefly, and at such times, no words passed between them. Behind the bar, serving the customers who had come in late from the search, Gilly watched them. Piosenniel’s posture was taut, and her hand often strayed to her neck, rubbing it as Mithadan spoke to her. He had pulled his chair very near her, his left elbow resting on the table, left hand gesturing as if to tick off points. His right arm went protectively round her tight shoulders, his fingers twining in a strand of her hair. Piosenniel’s gaze was focused on the table in front of her, eyes narrowed and her face pale. Gilly drew a pint of ale and fixed a small glass of watered wine. Placing them on a wooden serving tray, she drew nearer the two. Their backs were turned to her, and so engrossed were they in their conversation that they did not hear her approach, her soft steps fading behind the noisy talk of those who had come in from the search. ‘Once this starts I will not be able to be with you. They will have to think that I am truly with them,’ Gilly heard Mithadan say. ‘It will take that to convince them I am trustworthy enough to be let in on things.’ She saw Piosenniel take a deep breath, her lips parting as if to speak. Mithadan’s eyes searched her grey ones. ‘If you wish it, Piosenniel, I will put this task aside and stay with you.’ ‘You have thought it out well, I think, Mithadan. And though your plan seems more dangerous than I had thought or hoped, it is a sound one.’ She looked at him, smiling ruefully. ‘You know I will not ask you to stay. I only wish that I could go with you.’ She leaned forward and kissed his brow. ‘I will save the naming for you until your return. We will celebrate then, when the task is done.’ They grew quiet as Gilly drew up to the table, and they noted her presence. ‘Some refreshment for you, Mister Mithadan and for you, Mistress Piosenniel.’ The Hobbit smiled and bobbed a small curtsy, withdrawing to the bar where a few thirsty Hobbits had queued up. Piosenniel took a small sip of her wine, and leaned in close to Mithadan, again. ‘Bird,’ she said low to him, ‘have you spoken with her yet . . .’ [ April 17, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.