[Elora]

Uien fastened the last bundle of herbs to th rafter and stepped back, wiping her hands on her skirts. The rain made a soothing tattoo on the stable's roof overhead. With a glance around the stable and nothing more to be done, Uien thought she had best make for the inn.

She made one detour for the hay loft that had been her shelter for some days now and retrieved her cloak. It was worn and no match for a summer storm, but better than nothing. Uien fastened it around her throat and drew the hood up over her head with a sigh. She'd like nothing more than to dance through that rain, feel it fall clean and cool upon her face. She may have, had things been different.

Instead, Uien deferred to more seemly conduct. Falco Boffin would have a field day if he caught her spinning in the downpour and his pony was still here. There was no sign of a let-up in the storm and so Uien stepped out into it and cut a swift path to the inn. Even though she had chosen a more sedate option, a smile of pure delight curved her lips as she gained the covered front veranda.

The rain had nicely soaked her cloak and water dripped from the ends of her hair. Not so much as to make a terrible mess, but still Uien fancied Aman would be none too pleased with her creating a puddle on her clean floor. She peeled her cloak from her shoulders, shook it out and her hair also. Duly prepared Uien then entered the inn and found it a hive of activity.

A sale of some sort was taking place, people milling around the stalls or gathered at tables sipping on wine and ale. With sigh, for Falowik may have enjoyed this, she hung her cloak and pushed further into the press. A knot of familiar faces were gathered. Derufin, Aman, Ruby Buttercup, Beren all seemed preoccupied with something. She'd miss them, Uien realised with astonishment. She'd would miss them, and this was the first time that she had found herself facing that prospect since venturing beyond Lothlorien's bounds.

Even formidible Ms Bunce, the inn's cook. She'd miss them all. Uien glanced other faces, those who had joined her already. She smiled at each in turn, inclining her head in recognition and greeting.

A man stood by the hearth, warming his hands. Yes, a fine crowd had gathered at the inn. It would be a day of brisk business. Uien's damp hair would soon dry in the warm interior of the commonroom.

Ah well, she mused, the horses and ponies have a right to a dry place and you like the rain... She'd see to finding a place out of the rain for the mounts of those who would arrive just as soon as she found something to eat.

With that in mind, Uien started to slip through the throngs of people in search of food.