[Teleri]

The food was very good. It was so good that it became difficult to remember the table rules, and one even wonders if table rules are to be used at counters, as well. The small man did not seem to mind any accidental slip of manners. Lily found herself warming to this kind stranger.

"I had never seen Hobbiton before today." he said, and took a puff of his pipe. The weed was Old Toby, though Lily nothing of such things as smoking.

"And what, may I ask, do you think of it, sir?"

"I think that it is as delightful as it's folk." Lily smiled at this complement to her home. "Halflings, or Hobbits, if you will, are by far the most cheering folk I've ever met. But there seem to be more than just Hobbits here..."

"Well, now, sir. It's a queer thing, these days, half the folk who're put up here at the Dragon-and I've heard tell it's the same at The Ivy Bush, too- are from the south and the east. And you know what, sir? Now my sister Rose, she don't believe me, but I think some of them are Elves, sir!"

"Elves, really?" He said, as one who is favoring a childs fancy. But secretly he was listening closely.

"Yes, Elves. Just like from the old stories. Fair folk, they are, and they talk as like to singing. Now there's a lady staying here, sir, and I think she must be an elf, but I'm afraid to ask her..." Lily flushed. "I'm sorry, sir, but I've gone and talked more'n I sould have."

"That is quite alright." He said, as he paid for the meal. "But now, please excuse me, for I have bussiness to attend to." He began to leave, then turned on his heel, and said "I don't believe I introduced my self. I appologize. My name is Gam Son of Giles. It has been delightful talking to you Miss Hornblower, and I hope to see you many times before my stay here is over." Then he left, and Lily hopped down from the stool, and went back to her little corner. She took out her Mallorn leaf, and gazed at it with wonder. She kissed the leaf, and whispered "Please let me find some mushrooms on the way home."