[The Ruling Ring]

Drago sat rigid in his chair, looking, stunned, after Ellie and Champignonne.

"Well," he thought, "I'm glad she doesn't think I'm a freak of some kind."

His gaze shifted to Champignonne. He hadn't much seen her reaction.

It just seemed so strange, a hobbit who knew magic. Granted, he didn't know very much, but still, it seemed unorthodox for him to know even what he did. At least, that's what his mother had always told him.

He looked back over at Ellie with a smile, as she spoke excitedly to a man, probably arranging their rooms. He hadn't been expecting the hug, but he'd quite appreciated it. It had been ages since anyone had received him so kindly, especially at the news of his wanting to learn magic. Ellie seemed intrigued. He liked that...