* Gandalf barely kept from smiling when Holly speared the last piece of gooseberry pie with her knife. The dancing twinkle in the wizard's eyes communicated his light-hearted appreciation of Holly's brilliant way of handling the greedy Podo. Still captive for the moment to Podo's babbling, he nodded a silent farewell as Holly and Olo left the table in order to deliver the coveted treat to the deserving Periwinkle. *
* When Arcon, too, rose from the table to enjoy the peaceful fresh air under the stars, Gandalf waved a farewell. This time, his look said that gladly would Gandalf join the Elf for a walk outside as there were important matters to discuss. However, discretion kept him silent and seated. *
* The only answers which Birdie heard about Maladil Castle while she feigned sleep were muffled discouraging words about how even the most ruthless highwaymen, ragamuffins, and cutthroats gave the haunted Castle and its land a wide berth. Indeed, even Orcs would not dare set foot on ground so wretchedly cursed. *
* At last the exasperating Hobbit stopped to take a breath, and Gandalf got a word in edgewise ... *
Podo Cotton, last year when I saw you at the picnic in Hobbiton, you were wearing faded trousers with holes in one knee, held up by floppy suspenders, and a shirt so old you might have inherited it from your great-great uncle thrice removed. Now here you are, sporting new clothes as fine as any in the Shire. And speaking of gold, Podo, I couldn't help noticing that shiny pocket-watch of yours dangling from your vest. Tell me, what exactly is the secret of your success?
Why Gandalf, Sir ... answered Podo, just putting a few new business tips into practice, and having good luck in meeting customers. My entire crop of pipeleaf has found a buyer ... it's all spoken for, I've none left to spare.
As simple as that, Podo?
* The tables were turning ... now it was Podo's turn to give vague and unhelpful answers. The Hobbit shifted in his seat, moving his spoon around to scoop up the last remaining dollops of pie from his plate. * I see you're travelling with a Hobbit merchant, Holly something. Can't have the competition knowing what I'm up to in my dealings, can I? * Podo rose, bowed a polite goodnight, and with a grimace halfway between a smile and a yawn, made his way to his room for the night, on quick Hobbit feet. Naaramare breathed a sigh of relief after he left. *
* Gandalf turned to Bethberry. * There's someone outside, waiting to be contacted. No good getting together tonight, not after all the excitement we've had on the road ... the company needs a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed after battling the likes of wraiths and ruffians. Everyone who's journeyed with us on the road ... well, I can explain things to the group tomorrow morning, in a less public setting. Can you do me a favor, Bethberry? Have your falcon Wyrd deliver a written message to someone? He'll be in a grey cloak and standing near the door just outside, I should think. * Gandalf scribbled down a note on a scrap of parchment. *
Meneli, Estelarion ... is there a song you could play for us? * Gandalf looked at the Elves expectantly. *
[ July 21, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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