[Envinyatar]

The remainder of the trip to Amaranthas’ house had been a quiet one. Though the Hobbit couched her question in many skilful ways, she received no answer. ‘Something deeply hidden in him.’ she thought to herself. ‘I wonder what it will take to draw it from him?’ She made a mental note to speak to Miz Pio about this, though she could just see the Elf now, shaking her head in irritation at her.

Derufin dismounted from ‘Falmar one the Hobbit’s house was reached, and reached up for her to set her on the ground. He bade her farewell after seeing her inside safely, saying he had promised to do something at the Inn today. Remounting the horse, he waved once to her and urged the horse on with a flick of the reins.

It was a lie that he had task awaiting him. He simply did not want any more questions on that subject. He drew a deep breath and looked up at the clear sky. Spring was a promise on the brisk air as the breeze touched his cheek. Fresh. Renewing. He sang softly to himself as he rode back to the Inn.

As I walk'd thro' the meadows
To take the fresh air,
The flowers were blooming and gay;
I heard a fair damsel so sweetly asinging
Her cheeks like the blossom in May.

Said I, Pretty maiden, how came you here
In the meadows this morning so soon?
The maid she replied: For to gather some may,
For the trees they are all in full bloom.

Said I: Pretty maiden, shall I go with you,
To the meadows to gather some may?
O no, sir, she said, I would rather refuse,
For I fear you would lead me astray.

Then I took this fair maid by the lilywhite hand;
On the green mossy bank we sat down;
And I placed a kiss on her sweet rosy lips,
While the small birds were singing around.

And when we arose from the green mossy bank,
To the meadows we wander'd away;
I placed my love on a primrose bank
While I pick'd her a handful of may.

Then early next morning I made her my bride,
That the world might have nothing to say;
The bells they did ring and the birds they did sing,
And I crown'd her the sweet Queen of May.

His voice faltered on the last verse and was silent til he reached the Inn.

*********

Derufin dismounted and led ‘Falmar toward the stable. ‘Come, my fine girl. I’ll get you unsaddled and free of this bridle.’ He took her into one of the stalls and wiped her down well, talking gently to her as he did so. ‘I’ll see you another time!’ he called, giving her a handful of oats and walking out to the Inn’s yard.

An odd sight caught his eye as moved toward the Inn. There, on the side of the building were two small doors, flung open at the base of the wall. And from the entryway there, he could see the top of a curly head bobbing back and forth. He approached closer, trying to see who this was and what they were doing in what appeared to be the chute to the coal cellar. It was an odd way, he thought to be trying to clean it, if that is what they had intended.

He crouched down behind the mass of curls and spoke loudly. ‘Are you in some difficulty? Can I offer you my assistance?’