[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman laughed quietly, leaning gently on the bar as Elsilda finished her cheesecake.

"Strange folk?" She asked amused. "Goodness, depends on what you class as strange. We do indeed get all sorts around here. From the Havens to Harad."

Elsilda's eyes widened. "From Far Harad?"£

"Indeed, and from as far as Rhun. I do wonder why so many of such variety do come here, but then, I suppose I'm not exactly one to talk - why, you, an elf, have come from closer than I." At Elsilda's questioning look, she continued, "I was one of the Rohirrim horse trainers. So you see, it really does depend on what you class as strange."

Elsilda nodded thoughtfully, playing with her fork. "Indeed, so it would seem. But dwarves...?"

Aman shook her head. "The dwarf hasn't got a room here, but many of the elves do, to name one group - as I said, strange that so many should come through the Shire, but then...but then I suppose that's the way you will all eventually go." She couldn't help from looking a little sad here. How long will it be before the fairest and wisest of all pass out of Middle Earth altogther? Even this girl in front of you is on her way...

Elsilda must have noticed her sadness, for the elf tried a smile, leaning forward. "Our time here is passing," she murmured. "The time of the elves...it is waning. The time of men is coming, and we...we will sail to Valinor. Our last home." Her smile became more jovial suddenly, and she held up her ale as if making a toast.

"But until then, I for one will make the most of the fine hobbit food!"

Aman laughed with the elf, the sudden change of mood lightening the atmosphere like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. Passing a look through the kitchen door, she caught sight of Aietmen again, who was curiously examining some of the vanilla beans. Cook will blow a fuse if she sees that... Aman thought, smiling slightly at the same time as biting her lip. The little hobbit boy had been good since his arrival, but Cook was certainly making it clear she wasn't all too happy about him - Aman had told her at the time of the incident about the 'horse-thief', and she knew Vinca suspected the boy was up to no good. But he had spun Aman a story, and it seemed likely enough - and the Innkeeper had no objection to him being around here. Besides, the twins were as curious about him as he was good with them, and Aman had no doubt that Pio had rather taken a shine to him.

However, Cook really would not be happy to see him playing with her vanilla beans. Excusing herself politely from Elsilda, the Innkeeper took the elf's dirty plates and went towards the kitchen.