[Maeggaladiel]

Eleniel waved a hand dismissively as Soronume sheepishly removed his cloak.

“Oh, that’s all right,” she said. “Road dust doesn’t bother us, eh, Arrow?” The dog’s tail went THUDTHUDTHUD as it banged against the wooden floor.

“As to your other question,” she continued, “the Shire really isn’t one of my major buying areas; it’s just a pleasant stop on my journey. Occasionally I purchase some textiles from a hobbit lass who lives south of here or some musical instruments from a friend of mine near Bree, but basically I come here just to enjoy the peace of the Shire and the good company of fellow travelers.” She raised her mug to him in an adventurer’s salute.

“And now I’m the one being rude,” she laughed. “Join us in our second breakfast! Can I buy you a drink or something to eat?”

At the mention of food, Arrow sprang up and sat at attention at Eleniel’s feet. She chuckled and tossed him a piece of bread. He devoured it noisily before returning to his post under the table.

“You said you’ve been exploring,” Eleniel said to Soronume, watching Arrow spin around several times before curling into a silver ball on the floor. “I should be interested to hear of your adventures, if you wouldn’t mind my asking.”