[Primrose Bolger]

Ginger noticed the Hobbit hesitated about where she’d come from. She’d learned, though, even in her short time working at the Inn, that it was better to let those hesitations lie. Perhaps Larien might offer more of an explanation at a later date, but for now, Ginger decided it would be best if she were left to her secrets. Best stick to safer subjects.

Taking a sip of cider, Ginger launched enthusiastically into an explanation of the Spring Faire. The Inn and its yard would be all decorated up with ribbons and streamers. And little lanterns would be hung in all the trees. There’d be lots of booths set up with all sorts of interesting things to see and buy or trade for. Lots of tables, too, with all sorts of cakes and cookies and pies to eat. And vote on . . . ribbons were given out and many of the ladies in Bywater and Hobbiton would be competing for them.

‘There are other contests, too,’ she went on. ‘Archery is one of them. Do you know how to use a bow? I never learned.’ Without waiting for Larien to answer, Ginger continued. ‘There’s axe throwing, too, and other woodsmen skills. And there’s a big tug-of-war. Foot races . . . Gosh, it all goes on for a couple of days. Oh, and at night, there’s music and dancing.’ Ginger grinned thinking about how Ferdy would be escorting her this year and she’d have someone to dance to all the music with.

‘So what do you say? You can walk around with me and my Ferdy. It’ll be fun!’