[Nurumaiel]

Robin was stroking her pony Gil-Galad's nose and talking to Dinodas.

"It was good of you to say we were going when Bullroarer 'challenged' us," she said. "I wanted to say something, but I was so nervous I could hardly speak."

Dinodas smiled at her. "Of course I spoke up, Robin," he said. "But you had better start packing."

"I will pack, I just need to talk to Bullroarer for a minute," Robin said. "It concerns Gil-Galad."

"Go on, then," Dinodas said, and Robin hurried off, leaving Dinodas with Gil-Galad's rope.

"Probably wanting to know if she can take Gil along," the hobbit lad said, half to himself and half to the pony. "Well, my fine friend, if you can come, do you want to?"

Gil huffed a warm breath into Dinodas's hand and nickered.

"Let's get you breakfast, at any rate," said Dinodas. "Then we'll wait till Robin comes back."

****

"Er... Bullroarer, sir?"

"Hrmph... yes?" Bullroarer said, noticing the hobbit lass. "Have you packed yet?"

"No, not yet, sir," replied Robin.

"Well, maybe you should."

"I'm going to, but first I have a question to ask you."

"Ask away," Bullroarer said. He hoped he hadn't sounded too gruff, but he still had his doubts about all these females.

"Is it all right if I bring Gil-Galad, my pony, along?"

"Of course, Robin," Bullroarer replied, trying to sound more gentle. "We will need pack ponies on our journey."

A smile broke out on Robin's face. "Thank you so very much!" she cried, and ran to find Dinodas.

Yet when she arrived at her hole, where she and Dinodas would pack together, she found that Dinodas was nowhere in sight. But there was a note on the table.

'Robin,
I've gone to meet Autumn Gamwich, who will be travelling with us. Gil-Galad has already had breakfast. You can pack without me.
Dinodas'

***

Dinodas was in his hometown, Bywater, looking for Autumn. He had heard that she also lived in Bywater, and he seemed to remember seeing her about very often. She was a beautiful young hobbit lass.

"About my age," Dinodas said to himself.

He was approaching another inn that was in Bywater besides the Green Dragon. He had visited it on several occasions, and something told him Autumn might be there.

Pushing open the door, many eyes turned to look at him. Some of the hobbits recognized him, some did not.

But there was Autumn, sitting at a table all alone, eating a meal.

"Autumn Gamwich!" he cried, and strode over to the table. She looked up at him, trying to recognize him, and failing.

"Do I know you?" she asked.

Dinodas smiled pleasantly and took a seat next to her. "No, though you may have seen me about town a few times. I live here in Bywater, also."

"Not meaning to sound rude, sir, but want do you want with me?" Autumn asked politely.

"Just to meet you," said Dinodas. "My name is Dinodas Green and I will be one of the travellers on this journey to Rivendell." He extended his hand.

[ November 25, 2002: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[ November 25, 2002: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]