* After the demise of the shell game, Gandalf waded his way through the crowd. Onlookers grabbed at his hat, staff, and sleeves while calling for more tricks and foolery. Finally, he spent the questionably salvageable remains of the afternoon talking with the Innkeeper of Sarn Ford. At last Bethberry returned from supplying wild turnips, carrots, mushrooms, asparagus, strawberries and blackberries to the rangers who had been too busy in meetings all day to forage for themselves. Neither Bethberry nor Gandalf had the opportunity to return to their respective rooms to rest before dinnertime was upon them. *
* After a short smoke by the fire, Gandalf joined his good friend Bethberry for their own meal of mutton stew before setting forth to deliver dinner to the rangers. They ate in the kitchen, away from curious eyes, but happy to share songs and tales with scullery maids and table lads. Much lore was heard of Bonfire Glade and Withywindle, vanquished dragon and untamed mountain, persistent storm and changing sea. *
* As their guests rose from plate and cup and spoon, the young servants laughed and clapped. Then bowing, they presented Gandalf the Grey and Bethberry Bombadil with stew in wooden bowls wrapped in rawhide containers and bound with strips of leather. There were also brown paper packages of bread and butter, and bottles of ale, placed into larger packs. Enlisting the help of Midnight after offering the horse an apple and carrot as his share in the feast, they placed packs upon the horse and set off once more towards the hidden cabin. Midnight still shone a stunning shade of black from Olo’s careful grooming. *
* Overcast skies gathered themselves into a light, steady rain. *
* Early on, of course, they encountered a ranger right outside the Inn, and with a bow from the wizard, a merry jigging curtsy from Bethberry, and even a bemused whinny from the black steed, presented the ranger with his meal. Vorondil had a strange look in his eyes that made curious both the daughter of the River Daughter and the Grey Pilgrim alike, but Vorondil maintained a wondering silence. *
* Farther on, Gandalf and Bethberry encountered Agluchel and several other rangers along the way, stationed at lookout posts, or walking along the road with eyes and ears peeled for anything amiss, and weapons at the ready. These rangers too received their evening meal with mirthful ceremony. At last they slogged through the shortcut to the cabin door. *
[ August 12, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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