[piosenniel]

After delivering the pie to Periwinkle, and assuring herself that he had enough hay and water for the night and a comfortable place to doze, Holly went back to the door of the stable where Olo was standing guard in the shadows for any lurking Rangers or other suspicious looking characters.

'Is it clear?', she said, in a quiet voice, 'I think so,' he whispered back, peeking his head outside once more for a look around.

They had spied the Elf, Arcon, just before they had gone in the stable, heading down the path from the Tavern. Thinking that meant the Ranger was no longer hanging about, they decided to head for the river once again to do a little star-gazing of their own.

The two hobbits had almost made it to the edge of the courtyard near the path to the river, when two sharp whistles rent the night silence, and a large bird of prey swooped silently and swiftly out of the dark sky, heading for an open window in the Inn.

They were startled by its appearance, and both let out small gasps of surprise - not very loud, but still just enough for the sharp-eared man, standing in the shadow of the Inn's large tree to notice them,and come walking toward them.

'O! We're for it now!' said Olo, and nodded his head toward the figure coming toward them. Holly looked at the Ranger,and calculated just how soon he would reach them.
She grabbed Olo's hand and walked slowly toward the approaching man with apparent unconcern. When she was close enough to see his familiar face, she smiled and greeted him warmly, telling him they had just come from seeing to her pony and were on their way back to the Inn.

'Now that is an interesting route you were taking, young mistress.' said the Ranger, his eyes twinkling. 'I think I'll just escort you back to the door to see you don't get lost.'

'As you wish, good sir.' she replied, thinking all the while of taking another route out from the back door once back inside.

'And I might mention I've posted a man at the back door tonight. Wouldn't want anyone sneaking in, now, would we?' A smile creased the corners of his mouth, and he gently urged them on.

Olo held the door for Holly, and she went inside. He was just about to follow when the hand of the Ranger restrained him, drawing him out for a whispered talk.

'There is strange traffic on the roads and in the shadows tonight, young sir. I would urge you to keep your sweeting safe inside tonight and leave us to go about our business.' He faded back into the shadows, leaving Olo to enter the Inn alone.

'What did he say to you, Olo?' asked Holly as he came into the common room. Olo blushed and stammered, 'Well, nothing really. He just wished us a good night in his Ranger sort of way.' 'I see.' she said, looking at him quizzically. She yawned. 'Oh, I'm so sorry, but I am tired. I think I'll say good-night to you and go upstairs. See you tomorrow for breakfast?' She headed up the short staircase, and waved back to him before disappearing down the hall.

'Oh, yes, . . . definitely.' said Olo to her retreating figure. He stood in thought for a moment and then turned and scanned the room for the one called Gandalf. Seeing him still sitting at the table, with the lovely woman, Bethberry, he walked over and asked if he might speak with him.

The wizard nodded his assent and smiled encouragingly at the hobbit. Olo blurted out, 'Well, it's like this, sir, seeing as how you will be leaving soon, I was thinking how my business here is all taken care of, and you might need another stout arm to make sure your journey is a safe one, and well, I . . . I'd like to go with you, sir, if you don't mind, that is.'