|
Lily had welcomed her gladly, it seemed, yet her eyes had said something else. Mira suddenly felt shy and rude for interrupting her conversation with Posco, and Posco seemingly felt the same, except for the rudeness. He sat quietly, examining his empty cup, glancing up every so often. Mira sat silently, toying with a lock of chestnut hair, until the arrival of a man startled them all.
He introduced himself as Iardarion and at first Mira was uncomfortable as she sensed Lily stiffen beside her. Then she grew more at ease, as the man did not present any immediate reason to dislike him, and introduced herself. He grinned and suddenly shouted for a round of ales. Mira noticed that the others at the table seemed annoyed with the man's presence, and she wondered why.
The man quietened down and now Mira felt rather detached from the others. She, a newcomer, had no idea what they had all been chatting about when she had appeared. Posco suddenly said, almost inaudibly, "Miss Mira, tell me... us... more about yourself." He turned a deep scarlet and whirled around, saying to Lily, "Lily, have you finished your supper? Do you want anything more?"
Mira felt sorry for Posco. He was obviously uncomfortable with her arrival and he seemed to be shrinking with embarassment. "Well, Posco, my whole name is Mirabell Baggins. I come from a hole in Hobbiton, and I came here for the grand re-opening party of the Inn. I am rather fond of the Dragon...it's quite a lovely place. But...would you like to tell me a little about yourself?" she asked. Her green eyes looked at Posco questioningly, hoping she hadn't embarassed him even more.
|