The Golden Perch Inn

[Undómë]

‘Now, Granny,’ Rowan said, coming to Alferad’s assistance. She noted he seemed just a little flustered talking with the old gammer. ‘Don’t be bothering this nice lad.’ She hooked her arm through Granny Greenhill’s and gave her an appraising look. ‘Why he even helped clean up a spill someone made – saved me or Penny from having to do it.’

‘She can be an awful tease sometimes!’ She nodded to Alferad. ‘Get you all in a twist if you don’t watch yourself.’

Rowan steered Granny to a table near the fire. ‘Keep your bones warm, Granny! How about I bring you a bowl of beans and ham and some biscuits with honey to go with that mug of stout?’ She leaned in closer to the old hobbit, whispering loud enough for her to hear. ‘Fortune has smiled on us and brought us a new cook!’

As she hurried by Alferad on her way to the kitchen, Rowan paused and took up his empty mug. ‘Looks like you could use a refill, eh? You deserve it after jousting with Granny.’