[Arry]

Gil greets the players . . .

As they’d aided the stricken Ranger to his room, Gil noted a group of newcomers had just entered the Common Room. Two of the Big Folk, who looked to be brothers, a fair haired Elf dressed all in greens and browns, and a pair of Hobbits. The male Hobbit appeared to be about his age, he thoughts and the female just a little younger. Her brown eyes had regarded his face for a moment then passed on. But in that moment he managed to blunder into Buttercup, sending them both crashing to the floor.

‘Off me, you oaf!’ cried Buttercup, pushing him from atop her legs and standing up. ‘Now look what you’ve done! Cider all over my blouse and skirt!’

Gil scrambled to his feet, hearing the none too subtle laughter of his friends. He apologized profusely and promised Buttercup he would take her place in serving the cider and ale until she could clean herself up. She gave a miffed hmmmph! as she twitched her skirts and stomped off to the kitchen.

‘Take a seat lads,’ Gil told his friends. ‘I’ll bring round some ale for you all and some cider for the little lads.’

He was as good as his word, hurrying to the bar for a fresh pitcher of ale and one of cider, along with a stack of mugs. He made his way round the room filling mugs and taking orders and suffering the good-natured ribbing of the Green Dragon patrons.

And all the while, his eyes flicked often to the group of strangers he’d seen come in.

Soon, he came to their table, handing out ales all around as requested. And taking their orders for something to eat and plenty of it, if he pleased. He smiled, nodding his head yes to their directions and questions. When the chatter of their orders had died down he paused for a moment, before turning away. ‘My name is Gil Tussock,’ he said. ‘And those,’ he indicated with a pointing of his finger toward where Tomlin and the others sat, ‘are my band members and my two young nephews. We’ll be playing in a little while. I hope you will stay for a tune or two.’ He looked at the oddly mixed group and grinned. ‘And perhaps you will join us if you’re in the mood. You are the players up from Pincup aren’t you?’