[samsmyhero]

Denegal's eye lit upon a small serving lass who appeared to be one of the little folk that so populated this town. She was serving a large platter of food to an older looking man, who then leaned down and held a brief whispered conversation with her. The man proceeded to sit and break his fast with two more of the little ones. The young soldier pulled the pouch from around his neck and shook its meager contenets out into the somewhat grimy palm of his hand. He sighed. Four coppers - he doubted that would be enough to pay for a full plate of food. But perhaps it would suffice for at least a slice of ham and some bread.

As the little woman bustled by, back in the direction of the kitchen, Denegal cleared his throat, and stepped forward tentatively. "Um, excuse me, miss. I'd . . . I'd like to buy some breakfast. How much for a half a loaf, and maybe a slice of ham?"

Ruby stopped and looked up at the stranger, a friendly smile warming her face. She had seen many a weary traveller, and could tell right away that this one was in sore need of some good, hearty food - and a good wash! She noticed him gripping his hand tightly, probably around some smallish amount of coin. Well, the Green Dragon was no charity organization, but there was always room for "friendliness".

"Well, sir, don't you worry about the cost. I'll fetch you a plate in a wink, and after you've finished, if you like the cooking, we'll settle up then. How's that? And if you're in need of a bit of a wash up, there's a pump right out in the yard." She nodded significantly in the direction of the door and whisked away before Denegal could reply.

Relieved, Denegal made his way back out into the inn yard and limped carefully around several more young little people who were attempting to clean up some flower beds. There were the signs of recent festivities all about and the bustle and cheerful noise of the young people as they went about their various tasks. He reached the pump and worked the handle up and down, holding his head under the water. It was quite cold and much of it ran down his collar. But it was refreshing and he scrubbed his face and hands vigorously, happy to remove at least some of the dirt of his recent travels. Shaking the excess water out of his hair and wiping his face on his sleeve, as he had no towel, he straightened up and looked around.

The inn seemed a pleasant place, with a small stable attached. It was clean and well kept up. Obviously the innkeeper must take pride in his proprietership. His spirits lifting again, Denegal thought with hope that there might be a good chance that such an inn keeper would be glad to hire on a strong man. Especially if all the employees were of the little variety. Perhaps there might be some job for which his height might be of advantage. True, his recent fortunes had seen his weight drop considerably. But the past months had made him fit and lean, hard and wirey. Pushing his wet hair out of his face, Denegal hobbled back into the inn.

Seeing an empty table, he sat down, being somewhat close to the man he had spied earlier. One of the two little folk, an older male, was gone. But the young female remained, now talking hesitantly to her companion. Without meaning to eavesdrop, Denegal heard the slight Gondorian accent of the man. Well, well. A fellow countryman. At least he wasn't completely alone in this far place.

The little servant maid appeared at his elbow as if by magic, setting a great platter of food before him. The smell of fried eggs and ham, fresh baked bread with butter, and a great mug of steaming hot tea almost made him faint with rapture. "There you are, sir. I hope it pleases." Ruby beamed at the young man.

"Thank you. Really, I can't thank you enough." Denegal dug in, and worked his way silently but diligently through the great mound of food. Ruby kept her eye on him as she passed back and forth, serving the other guests. After some fifteen minutes or so, seeing his plate was finally nearing emptiness, she approached him once more.

"Was it all to your liking? Shall I get you some more tea?"

With a great sigh of hapiness, Denegal smiled at her. "No, thank you. I think I'm full. It was all wonderful. My compliments to the chef. And to the inn keeper. I wonder . . . might I ask you a favor? I'd like to speak with the owner, if you please. Would you ask if he would spare me a moment?"

"Certainly, sir. I'll ask HER if she has a moment." Ruby emphasis was accompanied by a wry smile. "Meantimes, why don't you sit here a while and let that lot digest. Perhaps you'd like me to then point you in the direction of our cobbler. He's a good one." She looked inquisitively at his bare foot.

Denegal looked abashed. He knew after paying for this meal his purse would be empty. He certainly couldn't afford a new pair of boots.

"Well, I think I'll just wait until I speak with the inn keeper - that is - if she's available."

"Right. I'll just go see, then." Ruby hurried away.