[piosenniel]

The meeting was taking a brief break. Most of those attending had come out to the porch and the area in front of the cabin for a breath of fresh air and a chance to stretch their legs.

Holly saw Bethberry just stepping off the porch, and beckoned her over.

'Bethberry, this is my friend, Vorondil, newly a ranger of Ithilien.' she said presenting him to Bethberry. He inclined his head toward her, and said how pleased he was to meet her in return.

Bethberry looked closely at his face, and, smiling, asked Holly, 'Friend, is it now? I don't think that is how you referred to him las night, or am I mistaken?!'

'That was an unfortunate misunderstanding.' said the hobbit hastily. 'Yes, on both our parts.' added the young ranger.

Vorondil and Bethberry chatted for a while, and Holly took the opportunity to seek out Gandalf. She found him, sitting on the steps, just getting ready to smoke a pipe.

'Gandalf,' she asked politely,'do you think it might be possible for me to go back to the inn to see about Bird. I'm still quite worried about her. I've told that ranger over there about what I've seen that may be suspicious, and I was hoping my presence here wouldn't be needed any longer. Though I'll stay if you think it necessary, of course.'

He looked at her, and smiled. 'Now how do you propose to get back to the inn? You looked so tired when we were walking here, I doubt you can recall the route.'

She thought furiously about the trip, but he was right - her memory of it was clouded by her lack of sleep.

It was then a voice broke through her thoughts. 'I can show her the way, if you like, sir. I'm off duty now, and would be happy to accompany Holly back to the Inn.'

Holly introduced Vorondil to Gandalf, and Gandalf gave her leave to go, saying that he would fill her in later on anything she might need to know.

She thanked him, and then saying good-bye to Bethberry, she made her way back to the inn, ranger in tow.