[Huan]

Anyopâ came down the stairs from his room, pausing on the landing before taking the final flight. The smoke and heat from the common room crept up the steps; it curled about his boots, and he felt as if he stood on the summit of some mountain, its head peeking just above the wispy clouds.

He had taken a short nap during the afternoon, rousing from sleep as his room darkened with the westering sun. Someone of the servants had kindly left him a pitcher of water and a towel and wash cloth. He’d laved his hands and face, running his fingers through his dark hair as he drew it back from his face and tied it with a leather thong. Refreshed, he had put on a clean linen tunic, drawing over it a plain, dark leather vest. His large pack he left on his bed, but in his smaller rucksack he stashed his chapbook, pen and ink. On his belt hung a small leathern pouch and into it he put a handful of coin. He hoped to make the acquaintance of one or two of the others staying at the Inn. He was interested in learning about other places and peoples.

Near the fireplace, he spied the tall, large man he had seen earlier in the common room. He was now seated at a table with several others. A man and woman . . . married, he thought; another man, speaking with one of the Fair Folk and a yellow haired fellow who stood by her side. The yellow haired man had a pair of new leather boots in his hands and had given them to the other fellow, who in turn was now trying them on. And now another one of the Fair Folk, another lady, had approached the first Elf and was speaking with her. It was an altogether interesting mix of people . . . or so it seemed to him.

Descending to the floor of the common room, Anyopâ stopped one of the servers he had met earlier in the day – Ginger, he recalled. A short conversation with her and a quiet request brought him soon to the table by the fireplace. She introduced him, saying he was a newcomer to the Dragon and to the Shire, and would they be so kind as to make room for him at their table.

He bowed slightly as he was introduced, placing one hand lightly on the back of an unoccupied chair. ‘With your permission,’ he said. ‘I would very much enjoy sharing your company for the evening meal.’