The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Owen’s brain ground to a halt as Rasputina mentioned that the brooch Shimshin had taken had lain in a box of some sort. And a locked box at that. Surely the dear little monkey’s escapade purely on impluse! In the few months Owen had known him, Shimshin had never been know to scheme so. Owen felt crushed.

“Oh Miss,” he blurted out, snatching his cap from off his head, squashing it and the bladder pipe together with a muffled crinkling. “Thank you for taking this so well! And try not to think too badly of the little fellow. He is clever, but has a heart of gold, he does. He’d never take nothing if he thought it would hurt someone. It’s just a bit of fun for him, and his mind runs too quick, just as those small feet of his. That is my friend Seamus and my trouble, you see? But no harm done now, is there!”

Rasputina smiled benevolently at the nervous man. “No harm done, but maybe I should meet this Shimshin again so that I might advise him not to seek after such ornaments.”

“The counsel of elves is as good as gold, they say,” Seamus said, trying to smooth things over before Owen said too much. “Now if we can only convince the monkey of it!”

“If you’ll forgive me for saying it,” Owen continued with his train of thought. “I can understand him running off with your jewelry – he’s an eye on anything as sparkles. In fact, he’s a right magpie that one! But it’s the box as has me stumped, unless of course it was shiny too. He never done that a fore. Are you quite sure Miss, that no one else could have removed it?”

Rasputina fixed him with a thoughtful stare. “I am sorry that I can not answer your concerns, for I am doubtful whether anyone could have taken the brooch from this particular box.”

Owen tilted his head slightly, as if by doing so he could better line up his opinion of Shimshin with Rasputina’s revelations. Glancing blankly at the people milling about with their cake, and at the newly married couple chatting with their guests, his mind grappled with this puzzle in it’s typical herky-jerky fashion.

Suddenly he heard Seamus whistling a rollicking tune through his teeth. It was a good song, First rate for rebec, or bladder pipe for that matter. It was all about a young yeoman taken captive by raiding corsairs. Turning Owen noticed that Seamus was now standing and was nodding to the elf as though he was ready to leave. But Owen was not ready to go. He was just opening his mouth to explain the theory he and Seamus had developed, that Shimshin must have, at some point in his life, lived among pirates, when he felt the toe of Seamus’ boot strike his thigh rather sharply.

“Thank you for understanding,” the tall man was saying to the graceful elf as he towered over Owen. Then reaching down, Seamus offered him his hand. “I think we had better check on Shimshin before we get back to playing, don’t you?” he said pulling Owen to his increasingly unsteady feet.

“Aye, I do,” Owen replied. “Looks like he may’ve more talents than just his dancing. Though it break my heart to find it true.”

[THE Ka]

After his explanation, Rasputina felt relieve but, still curious that Seamus's monkey could have opened that box.

"Oh, Well" , she thought. As long as she had the gifts back was all that mattered right now. After thanking Owen and Seamus for their help and recovery of the item, she rose and strode over to the party. She had seen the wedding of the couple and the incident with the cake - somewhat, she still didn't know who caused the comotion. Whatever it was, it had blown over and a natural calm ebbed into the crowd. One thing she must do, was to find the couple.

This was not as easy as she thought. Once she sought them out with her sharp glance, they would have moved on to another call. Rasputina felt like a stalker without a match. Or a very slick one at that. She always hated crowds, even though it had been so long since she was around so many people. The cake distribution had been granted by the couple to a good judge as they went from gift-giver to gift-giver. Then she noticed something run past through the corner of her eye. It was small of stature and it was not an 'it', but a flock. A flock of hobbit children had passed her by and she was suddenly caught in a state of fasination. They seemed like an ethreal bunch, zipping from here to there completely consumed in their own atmophereric world of games and laughter. She watched as they conjurgated in one area to play a strange game. Their movements worked so fast and joinly that she wondered if they thought one thought all together. They were now playing a game that involved something of a judge and group. All but one child formed a row, while the one separate stood alone at a distance. The lone player then began to sing a ryme addressing the other players. In a question and answer sing-song they played the game out, all the while some of the once tightly knit group now dispersing in different directions.

As Rasputina watched she noticed the wedded couple finally resting at one of the tables. Rasputina saw her chance to finally give her gifts, which had gone through so many tasks and travels, finally to be given to those who were meant for them. She then strode comfident and filled with happiness over to the couple. Finally to recieve the gifts of Eryn Vorn...

[Mithalwen]

Now that Snaveling had joined his own people, Mithalwen suddenly felt very alone in the crowd. Rasputina had been deep in conversation with the people with the monkey and she could not see the diminutive Caity in the throng. She decided to seek her faithful companion. She slipped away from the party, without seeing that her gift had been passed on so quickly, and to the stable yard. Mithalwen did not bother to go and change but lited her skirt hem to avoid harming her dress.

Aeglos whickered as she entered the barn which was serving as overspill stabling for him and the horses of other latecomers. For a moment Mithalwen resolved to leave that evening. She longed for the company of her own kind - the company of many mortals made her a little melancholy. There was no point in getting interested in them she thought ... they passed so quickly ... like a spring growth of bluebells in a beech wood.. She thought of Snaveling's words about the hidden paths of her people, and while the open ways were safer since the return of the King, she would be more likely to find her kindred on the ancient routes.

But Snaveling was also a reason to stay - his story had sparked her curiousity and she wished she knew the whole tale .. perhaps it was some silly misunderstanding that had separated them and which could easily be put right. She hoped, for the man's sake that Roa had not been so superficial that she was dismayed by his reversal in fortune.

She led Aeglos from the barn so he might graze a little, and feel the late afternoon sun on his back. " Pehaps one day longer.." she whispered to the grey horse , " There would be little enough comfort or companionship on the journey ahead and she need not rush on to Rivendell. She watched the party continue from a distance until she settled Aeglos back in the barn. On her return to the gathering she rejoined Snaveling.

[Envinyatar]

The áze nuquerna burned bright in the three other gems as Zimzi looked fondly at the trio, her faced wreathed in smiles. Derufin shook his head in wonder and bowed slightly toward the Elf. ‘Thank you, little one,’ he murmured, picturing the first time he’d met the bedraggled waif. He too, smiled as the image changed to this graceful lady who now stood before him. With a wink, he took her hand and cupped it to his cheek. ‘May your journey be light from now until the end is reached, the One willing. And yours, also,
Falowik,’ he said, clapping the man, then, on the shoulder. ‘These are rare gifts, my friends,’ he continued, ‘but precious beyond all gifts is that of the bond of friendship given and received today.’

He pulled Zimzi close to him, his arm about her waist. The brief moment of grace resolved itself into the ordinary flow of life. The world, which had narrowed for a space of time, to just these four, now flooded in. Sights and sounds of the party flooded back in. Derufin and Zimzi stepped back to the mathoms’ table with a promise from the man and Elf that they would see them later for a meal and perhaps share a dance.

Zimzi curtsied to Falowik with a grin on her face. ‘I shall, of course, expect a dance with you,’ she said. Derufin raised his brows at her. ‘It is my right as the bride, to do so,’ she instructed him, citing one of the many ‘rules’ her mother had gone over with her. ‘The last dance is saved for you, alone, my dear,’ she assured him.

‘Well, then,’ responded Derufin, looking at Uien with a pitying sigh. ‘You shall have to put up with a large footed, rather clumsy person for a dance.’ He looked down at her dainty feet and shook his head. ‘Thick boots, my dear,’ he laughed. ‘That’s what I require in a dance partner.’ Zimzi, standing behind him, nodded her head ‘yes’, quite emphatically, to his statement.

[THE Ka]

As she walked over, the couple had arisen again, now off to dance. Rasputina felt frustraited. Finding nothing better to pass the time she sat at the table the couple had been recently using. She went over what she would say, and tried from her memory, to get their names down. Zimzi and Derufin, those were their names, now nothing left but to present the gifts.

She watched the couple dance gracefully with the others who twirled next to the stage. When it looked like they were to return to the table, Zimzi was asked by another to dance, and Rasputina, once again, sat there to wait.

Finally, the musicians rested for awhile, and the dancers sat at tables to rest and have refreshments. As the couple walked back and sat at the table, Rasputina turned slowly as to not seem like a haunt and introduced herself to the couple.

" I have something to give you both, that is from my people as much as myself, I hope you will enjoy these..."

And Rasputina drew out from her pocket four small but, brilliant gifts. Two, were broaches, shaped in a tree and wave form. The other two, were different. They were not items that were meant to be worn or displayed upon a mantel piece, but for travel of any kind. They were two small orbs, and silver shown in the sunlight as they gentley rolled in her palms. They were a sort of compass and among her kin were a favorite to construct. They were meant to help you find any location, as long as you truely felt you needed to go there. Rasputina had one of these, that she was given on the day of her birth, and every child among her people carried everywhere. There was also an interesting thing about these compasses. They were meant for only that person and no one else. So was the case with these two, which had the couples' individual names written upon them.

"These last two, I must tell you how to use, but you must remember this or they will not work. These are compasses, and my people love to make them. Now, both have your individual names upon them, and are meant only for you to use. They will help no one except yourselves, so you have no need to worry if they are used by someone else without your knowing. if someone tries to find a location, the arrow will disappear and the orb will not spin. Also, that perosn's hands will be left a noticeable red. Now, to find your way somewhere, there is a dial on the side of each of them. All you must do is spell out where you wish to go. If you don't know the spelling of the location you don't need to give up because, they will only answer to their owners. Then, you must place them on the ground for them to direct you. Do not worry if they begin to spin, they are only trying to meet your request. When they stop, an arrow that is on top will be pointing to your location. After that, as you travel, watch the arrow. All you must do is follow the arrow and you are at your destination."

[TomBrady12]

Bingo Boffin was having a bad day. He'd lost a lamb in the woods and spent half the day trying to find it. Finally, after hours of searching he managed to find the lamb and get it back with the rest of his small heard, but it had made him terribly late for dinner. His wife would be in an uproar, he well knew, and he had no desire to see her just yet. The only thing that could save the day for poor old Bingo was a mug of his favorite beer at the Green Dragon. He quietly slipped his sheep into their paddock for the night and snuck away to the south without his wife's knowledge.

The walk was not terribly long, but Bingo was out of shape. He came puffing down the road as fast as his short legs would bring him. He spotted the inn from a distance and noticed a large crowd inside. The sounds of laughing and singing reached his ears, even from that distance. "Well then," Bingo exclaimed, "looks to be a party of the big people in there. It would be just plain rude to burst into their party uninvited and dirty from my day." Bingo pouted and spun on his heels to leave. The prospect of facing his wife, without even a drink of ale in his stomach, made his brief walk home seem like an eternity.

[piosenniel]

THE SCENE IN THE GREEN DRAGON INN'S FRONT YARD AT PRESENT . . .

It's a warm, sunny day in the Shire – late-afternoon.

All have gathered outdoors where the party is taking place.

The tables are groaning with the plenitude of food brought out to stave off hunger . . . most of the local Hobbit families have arrived, and all of them have brought a special dish or two to share at the party. The staff from the Inn has already brought out great platters of meats and cheeses and baskets of bread for sandwiches along with mustards of all sorts and pickles. Mushroom pasties, jam tarts, and cookies of all sorts.

The big cake that Cook has made for Derufin and Zimzi is now on the dessert table. It's four layers high, frosted in white, light frosting, with candied violets of all colors all over it. There is a line-up as guests come for a slice of it.

A number of the kegs have been tapped and tried, much to the satisfaction the thirsty crowds. For those who don't care for ale at the moment, there are pitchers of cold cider, tea, wine of all sorts, and of course, sweet, cold well water.

The three local grannies - Granny Chubb, Granny Oldbuck, and Granny Heathertoes have made their special punch – only for the women at the party. They are fending off, with their stout wooden stirring paddles, those bold lads who try to slip in and steal a taste.

Mayor Samwise and his wife, Rose, and a number of their brood (up to baby Daisy) are at the party. Ginger has most of the young ones in tow while Same conducts the handfasting ceremony. Rose is seated with a group of ladies and is delighted to have only the baby to look after.

Gil and his friends, Tomlin, Fallon, and Ferrin are playing and singing on the raised stage near the front of the Inn. They are intermittently joined by Falco Headstrong, Rasputina, Caity, Seamus, and Owen.

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The handfasting ceremony is now done.

Derufin and Zimzi are a proper couple.

They are at the mathom table at present, looking over the gifts they’ve been given. The band is playing and any number of couples are dancing. Later, when it's dark, the little lights in the branches of the trees will be lit and there will be fireworks.

And there is food and drink, of course, flowing in abundance from the good folk of the Shire . . .