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piosenniel · 03-16-2003, 04:15 PM

It took the morning and into the early afternoon for Pio to reach Bucklebury, with only a short stop for ‘Falmar to drink at a pool of clear water she had spied from the road. At the Brandywine river, they had passed over the Bridge of Stonebows, and then turned south through the Hay Gate and into Buckland.

Pio found the residents of this area of the Shire less surprised at seeing an Elf pass through. And she found them quite willing to help her find her way to Brandy Hall. One in fact, Ilberic Bracegirdle, was bound for Brandy Hall on some business with the Master’s hostler, and invited her to ride along with him. He eyed ‘Falmar as he spoke. ‘Of course you’ll have to go a little slower, my mount won’t match the pace I’m sure yours can set.’

It was a pleasant ride with Ilberic on the path along the river. He was a horse and pony breeder in the area, and was going down to Brandy Hall to check on some new born foals, the father of which had been one of his herd. ‘Yes, a fine looking grey colt and a little black filly with a white blaze. Master Meriadoc wants to keep the colt, and I will be taking the filly when she is old enough.’ He looked appraisingly at ‘Falmar. ‘If you don’t mind me asking, that’s a horse from Rohan, isn’t she? A beauty, too, if I say so myself.’ He looked inquiringly at the Elf. ‘How long are you staying at Brandy Hall? It would be interesting to see what her sort of bloodlines could introduce to our horses.’ Pio smiled, thanking him for the compliments to ‘Falmar, and then explained that she meant to stay only a few days at the most. His face fell at her answer and he commented wistfully that her departure was their loss.

*******************

It was Estella who answered the door when Pio knocked. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and she wore a great white apron round her. Her eyes went wide with surprise as she saw the elf standing on her doorstep, but gracious hostess that she was, she recovered herself quickly and invited Pio in. ‘What brings you to Buckland, Mistress Piosenniel.’ She was polite enough not to ask where her husband might be.

Pio told her she needed some quiet time away from the tumult of the Green Dragon, but nothing more. She did mention that at her stay at the Floating Log she had seen Merry and had supper with him. Estella smiled with delight at the mention of her husband.

‘But I see you are just going to do some cooking, Miz Estella.’ Pio noted the apron and the set of measuring cups hastily jammed into one pocket. ‘Yes, some muffins for afternoon tea. You’ll stay won’t you? In fact, with Merry gone the house is a little lonely. Could I get you to stay for a few days until he returns?’ ‘You’ve read my mind,’ laughed Pio, as they entered the large kitchen.

[ March 18, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

03-16-2003, 04:15 PM	#14
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	It took the morning and into the early afternoon for Pio to reach Bucklebury, with only a short stop for ‘Falmar to drink at a pool of clear water she had spied from the road. At the Brandywine river, they had passed over the Bridge of Stonebows, and then turned south through the Hay Gate and into Buckland. Pio found the residents of this area of the Shire less surprised at seeing an Elf pass through. And she found them quite willing to help her find her way to Brandy Hall. One in fact, Ilberic Bracegirdle, was bound for Brandy Hall on some business with the Master’s hostler, and invited her to ride along with him. He eyed ‘Falmar as he spoke. ‘Of course you’ll have to go a little slower, my mount won’t match the pace I’m sure yours can set.’ It was a pleasant ride with Ilberic on the path along the river. He was a horse and pony breeder in the area, and was going down to Brandy Hall to check on some new born foals, the father of which had been one of his herd. ‘Yes, a fine looking grey colt and a little black filly with a white blaze. Master Meriadoc wants to keep the colt, and I will be taking the filly when she is old enough.’ He looked appraisingly at ‘Falmar. ‘If you don’t mind me asking, that’s a horse from Rohan, isn’t she? A beauty, too, if I say so myself.’ He looked inquiringly at the Elf. ‘How long are you staying at Brandy Hall? It would be interesting to see what her sort of bloodlines could introduce to our horses.’ Pio smiled, thanking him for the compliments to ‘Falmar, and then explained that she meant to stay only a few days at the most. His face fell at her answer and he commented wistfully that her departure was their loss. ******************* It was Estella who answered the door when Pio knocked. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and she wore a great white apron round her. Her eyes went wide with surprise as she saw the elf standing on her doorstep, but gracious hostess that she was, she recovered herself quickly and invited Pio in. ‘What brings you to Buckland, Mistress Piosenniel.’ She was polite enough not to ask where her husband might be. Pio told her she needed some quiet time away from the tumult of the Green Dragon, but nothing more. She did mention that at her stay at the Floating Log she had seen Merry and had supper with him. Estella smiled with delight at the mention of her husband. ‘But I see you are just going to do some cooking, Miz Estella.’ Pio noted the apron and the set of measuring cups hastily jammed into one pocket. ‘Yes, some muffins for afternoon tea. You’ll stay won’t you? In fact, with Merry gone the house is a little lonely. Could I get you to stay for a few days until he returns?’ ‘You’ve read my mind,’ laughed Pio, as they entered the large kitchen. [ March 18, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.