The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter

[Firefoot]

Lily, though she would be embarrased to admit it to any but herself, was getting bored of cleaning up. She also felt somewhat stifled for having been indoors for so long except for her brief sojourn out to the stables last night. She decided to go for a ride. After all, that is what I came to the Shire for in the first place, right? To explore new places? she thought. I don't really know anyone in here right now anyway. She leaned the broom she was using back up against the wall and headed for the door.

Once outside, Lily broke into a jog and then a run. It felt so good to stretch her legs! She couldn't see anyone nearby, and even so she really didn't care what people would think if they saw her. It was only a short way to the stables, so Lily wasn't even winded. Many of the horses still looked drowsy, but her pony Clover stamped his foot impatiently as if to say, "What took you so long?" Lily pulled an apple out of her pocket to give him, which he munched happily.

"Just a short ride today. I'll be right back," Lily assured him. Now, where to find my saddle, she wondered. She wandered up the aisle, looking around for any sign of where her riding gear might be. Ah, there!, Lily realized with a smile. It was a small room with the door slightly ajar. Inside she could see some saddles. She slipped in and found her saddle and bridle easily enough, and walked back to Clover's stall. She saddled him up for the ride and led him outside. Lily mounted.

"Ready, boy?" Clover shook his head, eager to go. Lily urged him into a canter and pointed him at a low fence, and was gone, off to explore the Shire.

[Kitanna]

Peony hated the idea of wearing her hair tied back, but her red locks were constantly falling into her eyes. She quickly tied her hair back and picked up her broom again to finish her sweeping job.

In the corner of the room she notice an elf woman with long black hair sitting there who had not been there a minute ago. Peony laid the broom aside and headed over to the woman's table.

"Good morning stranger," Peony said. She was such a peppy morning person it was almost scary. "I did not see you here last night, did you just arrive?" Peony waiting for Gwenneth to answer.

[starkat]

Gwenneth smiled at Peony. "Mae govannen. Yes, I just arrived in town. I rode in this morning." Gesturing for Peony to sit, Gwenneth pulled her hair from her face and tied it back. "Who do I need to see about getting a room and stabling my horse, Elenath?"

Waving her hand around at the room she asked, "What went on last night? It looks like a party of some kind. Is there anything I can do to help?"

[Kitanna]

"A party indeed," Peony laughed. "A sort of re-opening party I guess. Some sort of fire destroyed the inn or something to that extent. As for checking in I think the innkeeper's name is Aman."

Peony looked around at all the things that still needed to be done. She'd eat first and then finish helping clean up. "Would you care to join me for breakfast, Miss..." Peony stopped, she did not know this elf's name. "May I inquire what your name is?"

[starkat]

“I hope no one was injured. Goheno nin, forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is Gwenneth." Reaching around her neck, she fingers a small jewel on a chain. "May I ask what your name is and what is the name of this area?” Gwenneth smiles and again beckons for Peony to sit. “Please join me.”

“Could you point out the innkeeper after we finish?” Realizing how hungry she was, Gwenneth decided not to seek out the innkeeper until after breakfast.

[Kitanna]

Peony took a seat across from Gwenneth. "My name is Peony." She waved down one of the Hobbit lassies who worked in the kitchen. The two ordered and the Hobbit was off.

"Now, pardon me for not introducing myself sooner, my name is Peony. And if I may ask, Gwenneth where do you hail from?"

[Quicksilver_Sprite]

A young woman was walking up the road to the inn. Her cloak was a dusty gray, heavily patched and stained from past travels. Freckles were sprinkled across a hawkish nose; her rosebud mouth curved up at the corners with a mischievous air; seaweed colored eyes set deeply in the very pale face darted around, taking in every sight; kinky brown hair that would not be contained completed the picture, raveling down her back. In a few minutes, she stood in front of the doors to the inn, eyeing the emerald dragon painted on the wooden sign, which was swaying ever so slightly in the soft western breeze. After a moment, she had come to the decision that this inn was quite acceptable, and pushed open the doors. Instantly, smells of ale and hearty food drifted out, accompanied by the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the occasional argument.

Walking inside, the young woman plunked herself down on a wooden barstool, and spoke the words that many before her had uttered on that very spot: "Barkeep? I'll have a pint of your finest." As a sort of afterthought, she added, "And would you have some roast chicken?"