The Green Dragon Inn - Part 10

[Eowyn Skywalker]

Willow smiled, taking Lily's comments as a complement. Lily excused herself to go and get her fiddle too, as she didn't have it with her at the moment, seemingly.

And that was true enough. She had only just came in when she had walked over, and introduced her to Mira and Daisy. Willow noted that Daisy had seemed a bit more wary around Aman, seemingly. And she had enough right to be. Wilow remembered the first time she had met with one of the big people...

Being hobbits, and all, it was... well, different than talking to other hobbits, that was for sure.

How ever far the road draws on,
Long and cold, when you are gone.

In darkened forest I shall wait,
For when you pass the secret gate.

Our starlit eyes shall meet again

The words that Mira had whispered quietly before playing her flute came to her mouth unconsciously. But Willow continued the song, with her voice and violin softly singing as one.

...Our starlit eyes shall meet again,
Beyond the mist, and beyond the rain.

The day draws near when as before,
I shall pass through the hidden door.

The road goes on; leads to the seas,
And back again, through the trees.

And by that hidden path, all elves pass,
Down to the fair seas of silver glass.

We shall meet again someday,
And may that day show no delay

The tune that Willow had fit to it was slower; it came to her as her music did: from the heart, from within. None had heard it before, it had came to her mind as the words to the song came also.

She hoped that Mira wouldn't mind, and that her tune was simple enough that Lily, Daisy, and Mira could pick up on as well.

She picked up her violin once more, and played the tune that she had created for the song of Mira's.

[Mad Baggins]

Mirabell sat, chatting with the other hobbits. Aman came and went, and Lily left to go get her fiddle. Mira and Daisy chatted quietly, while Willow readied her fiddle to play it again. When she touched the strings with her bow and began to play, Mira recognized the tune as the one she had sung softly before. She sang it in her head, and when Willow was finished she smiled.

"That was lovely, Willow. I couldn't think of the words to finish it off, but you did a beautiful job," Mira told the hobbit, who blushed at the compliment. Continuing, she said, "And I was thinking; we should let Aman know that we are thinking of playing tonight. But I suppose we should agree on a song first? I agree with Lily; we should play some lively songs. Like that one you played a few moments ago. I enjoyed it. When Lily returns, we all should make a decision and tell Aman. I can't wait to play!"

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Snaveling accepted the parchment from Toby and, to prove to the elderly hobbit how trustworthy he’d been with the purse, withdrew that from his tunic and hefted it in his hand. “Very well my friend,” he began. “I shall do as you bid. But you are not the only one with a surprise in store this night – perhaps you shall see something surprising yourself before the evening is through.” Toby looked at the Man quizzically through his drink-soaked eyes but Snaveling said no more. He could already see himself resplendent in his new clothes and showing all the world the new man he had become.

He took one more careful sip from his glass before standing, albeit a little unsteadily. His emotional confrontation with the Innkeeper earlier had gone a long way to clearing his head, but the advancing night and the extra snifter (or had it been two?) of brandy had undone some of the good. He moved through the crowd, this time not avoiding the table where Roa and Galadel sat chatting amicably. As he passed them by he nodded courteously to Galadel’s friendly words of hello, and did not feel the sting of Roa’s look too deeply, for she was about to see a Man she’d not before. He just hoped that she would have a good view of what was about to happen with Aman, for he did not want to be forced to tell her of it later – that would seem too much like bragging.

He saw Aman moving about the Inn tending to the requests of a number of vociferous hobbit lasses who were exchanging songs. Their music had a happy feel and it made Snaveling think of home, and drew his mind thence to the golden image of his hunting lodge, so recently returned to him. He allowed himself the luxury of a moment behind his eyelids, wandering the halls of his lodge, wearing the new suit of clothes that he would buy this night.

When Aman next came close to him (this time, without a tray laden with food and drink) he touched her lightly on the shoulder and bowed deeply to her before speaking. “Mistress Aman,” he began, in as courtly a manner as he could, “I have been requested by my good friend, the inestimable hobbit Tobias Hornblower to present you with a small token of his appreciation for what you have done for us all in overseeing the restoration of the Green Dragon Inn!” He raised his voice somewhat at this, catching the attention of many who stood and sat nearby. They could tell that something Official was about to happen, and waited with breathless anticipation to see if it would entail more food and drink. “I would that I could match his gift with one of my own, but – alas! – I am but a poor Man with little but the clothes on his back.” A sudden thrill of panic moved through Snaveling as he said this: how was he going to explain the new suit of clothes? Worry about that later he told himself through the brandy. “Here is a small purse in which, I believe, he has handed over to the Inn a nice little sum. And here” he said, suddenly remembering, “is a letter that he wishes to accompany it!”

He handed both to Aman, who stood there rather overtaken by Snaveling’s manner.

[Firefoot]

Lily was just leaving her room with her fiddle when she heard more music coming up through the floorboards. She smiled, knowing Willow had taken up her fiddle again. She hurried downstairs, and the music ended just as she entered. She walked back across the common room, fiddle in hand, to where the other three were seated.

She took her fiddle and played a few scales, adjusting some of the strings so that it was correctly in tune. She hadn't played it since she left Bree a few days ago, and it felt good to be playing again. To warm up, she played a lively tune, simple and fairly common in Bree. One of my father's favorites, she realized with a start. She had never thought of it before, but she realized it was true. When she had been little, he had played it quite often. She cleared her head, and looked at the other hobbits. Before any of them could say anything, Aman came by with their drinks. They voiced their thanks and Aman went off again.

Mira spoke up. "Willow and I were saying that we should decide what we were going to play and tell Aman."

"Well, it seems as if we have found three songs that we all know. We could play those three, and see where we're at after that," Lily suggested. "The one I just played, do you know that one? It is quite common in Bree, but is it known in the Shire?"

[*Arwen*]

Tiruviel looked at the new comer with interest. Another Elf? very interesting. She indeed was very pretty.

"Thankyou. I was in need of company."

The Elf smiled. Tiruviel suddenly became very interested in her. After all, they were both elves.

"So, where are you from?"

[Amanaduial the archer]

After giving Kyria her meal and leaving her to it, Aman turned to the sound of another shout of "Innkeeper!" and went to see to the imminent request. But as she did so, she felt a light, purposeful touch on her shoulder and turned...to see a rather fine figure in front of her. Snaveling nodded courteously then began, with the all the splendour and drama of a courtier of Elessar.

"Mistress Aman," he began, like a ringleader. "I have been requested by my good friend, the inestimable hobbit Tobias Hornblower to present you with a small token of his appreciation for what you have done for us all in overseeing the restoration of the Green Dragon Inn! I would that I could match his gift with one of my own, but – alas! – I am but a poor Man with little but the clothes on his back. Here is a small purse in which, I believe, he has handed over to the Inn a nice little sum. And here" he added, withdrawing a piece of parchment from a pocket with an extra flourish, "is a letter that he wishes to accompany it!"

Aman took the gifts dumbly and looked over towards Tobias, who was beaming slightly in a sleepy, drunkenly good-humoured sort of way and smiled gratefully at the gentlehobbit. He returned this, then slipped importantly towards Ruby to order another drink. Aman unfolded the letter and scanned it...and despite all her usual capability to hide surprise, her eyebrows did jump a little as she saw the sum, for she had glimpsed the coins in the purse - not eleven silver, but eleven gold coins.

For lack of Tobias himself, Aman looked up at Snaveling. "Well, a fine sum indeed, Snaveling! Eleven gold coins..." Was that a spot of shiftiness she saw on the Man's face? She continued anyway. "A fine gift, and I ask that you thank Mr Hornblower again for me, as he appears to have absented himself," she smiled, scanning the crowd, spotting the hobbit coming towards them. Another entered through the Inn door and Aman looked over to see a hobbit-boy, who immediately started over to Snaveling. Aman raised her eyebrows as she recognised the boy.

"Pimpernel Brandybuck? I trust your father does not know of your being here," she said. The hobbit looked horrified and avoided her eyes, mumbling some excuses.

"Just wanted...not fair that...come on..." he looked up imploringly at the Innkeeper. "Miss Aman, I just wanted to see the party! You know, all the different...people," he finished carefully, catching up with himself just in time. Aman smiled, waving away the excuses.

"Ah, sure it's a party! I can't be expected to see every individual that comes through those doors..." she winked and lowered her voice. "I won't tell him if you don't."

Pimpernel beamed widely, thanking her, then turned to Snaveling. "Mr Snaveling, the tailor is here, in the stables where you asked him to wait."

Here Aman could not help but glance at Snaveling sharply, an almost inperceptible frown appearing on her brow. All you have, hmm? What about not being able to pay earlier... Aman remembered the gold coin she had seen earlier in Snaveling's possession, and wondered once more whether this was a satisfying explanation. Outwardly though, she smiled, if a little enquiringly. Nearby she could see Tobias approaching. "Ah - Tobias was generous to you as well, Snaveling?" she asked.

[Roa_Aoife]

Roa had tried to ignore Snaveling all night, but he kept drawing attention to himself. First with the song, which even Roa had to admit was pleasant to hear, then with the incident in the cellar. Roa had sought out Aman after she had spoken with Snaveling. While she was still angry with Snaveling, he was in her charge, and any punishment visited upon him would have to go to her first. Aman had been surprised with Roa's demand, but Roa was even more surprised when she learned of the arrangment with the innkeeper.

Snaveling had been staring at her for awhile, though she did not acknowledge but once, and that was to glare. But now, with the announcment he made so loudly, she could not help but pay attention. He finished his speech, and Aman had thankfully accepted. Now, Roa noticed the nervousness in his walk, so well hidden to less observant eyes, as he approached the young lad who had just entered. The word tailor reached her ears, and she was forced to squash her curiosity. She turned again to Galadel, who was smiling at the man and the hobbit.

"It would seem that a great change had taken place in those two, much for the better. I sincerly doubt that they are the same people we met on that first morning." The elf woman gave Roa a pointed look, and then sighed. "How long till you forgive the poor man? He has suffered enough with out facing your scorn," she added almost pleadingly.

"I know, Galadel, I know, and I suppose that I shall have to inform him that he is forgiven. But my good graces do not so easily forget. I do not know if I will ever be able to smile at the thought of him again." Galadel nodded sadly, and Roa bowed her head. The elf was right, he had changed a great deal. Perhaps, if he could show her that he valued life more than gold now, she could trust him again. But how could I test that?

[Witch_Queen]

Aduthondiel
"Crystal it isn't right for me to keep you away from Mr. Angry. You two should be togther right now. This is a joyous time. You shouldn't sit here and listen to an elf ramble on and on about what the future has in store for us." Adu knew that she had make Crystal go be with Angry. She wasn't sure if the two of them could continue the conversation. It was better if it ended for the moment.

She got up and fixed her some ale. Adu thought it would be right if she found Aman and talk to her about Crystal's good news. Adu had watched as Aman talked to the other visitors. The inn had became very popular after the fire and everything. Adu only had to wait for Hama to return with the good news. Yet what would she do if he didn't return. Adu knew she should have went with Hama. I shouldn't have let him go all by himself. I don't care how mighty a warrior he is. No one should be made to travel alone. Not even a heartless man like Dorian.

It didn't matter how much Adu wanted to forget Dorian he always managed to get back into her life. He was always going to be there with her no matter what. Adu had to face the fact that his spirit would haunt her life until she made everything right. "Crystal would you like a mug of ale?" Adu had to get her mind on something else. Dorian was dead and he couldn't do anything else to hurt her or Crystal. Life was better for the two of them. Adu was just happy that Crystal had Angry in her life. I have Count and Crystal has Angry. Everything turned out weird for me. I've got my horse at least. Count won't leave me for a long time. That is unless someone finds it in their mind to take Count away from me. Thats when the fight is on.