[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman raised an eyebrow at the hobbit leaning on the bar in front of her, although the gesture was, of course, lost on his back. And some instinct told her that he might be about as good at paying off credit as the scores of other hobbit men who had passed within the last two or three years and were thereby a blot on the Inn's accounts.

In answer to the hobbit's question, she figured she had to give some sort of reply. "Well, not so you'd notice mind, sir. But then, the Dragon isn't exactly your conventional Inn."

As she spoke, although she faced the commotion on one side of the room, her eyes were taking in Crystal, still seated with Angry, the hobbit she had taken a shine to, and now with Cree as well. Even as Aman watched, Cree stood, leading Crystal to the bar.

"Aman, does this girl have a room?"

The Innkeeper shook her head. "Not yet, but 't can be arranged." Crystal seemed about to say something before she coughed again, her handkerchief held over her lips, and Aman saw the speck of red appear on the other side. Her eyes widened for a split second and she handed Cree a key. "If you want somewhere to sit, here's the key to one of the empty maids' rooms, just down the side corridor."

Cree nodded and gently led the dazed Crystal away. The Innkeeper watched, concerned, but it was best not to get involved; Crystal had another to look after her for now, and as the saying goes, too many cooks...

Turning back to the hobbit still leaning nonchantly on the bar, she cleared her throat and he finally turned to face her. "Now...you offered to trade in exchange for a room? May I ask what?"