[Huan]

Gwynn and the others introduce themselves to Gil

‘Up . . . from Pincup . . .’ Emlin smiled as he drew out the words. ‘Surely we have a poet in our midst! And one who serves ale,’ he went on, ‘a delicious duo of occupations.’

The others laughed at the poor joke, then chided the Elf for putting Gil on the spot. ‘We are those players. And tired and hungry ones to boot.’ Gwynn started the introductions by giving his name and looking expectantly toward his sister to be next.

‘We’d be happy to play. Or rather I should say, Gwynn and I, Talan, can keep time with our clapping if you wish. We handle the puppets, and have no skills really for the music.’ She pointed toward the Elf. ‘Now Emlin, there, is a singer and plays the flute, too. And truth be told, it doesn’t take much to encourage him to show off his skill.’ She nodded down to where the Hobbits sat. ‘Rowan and Tolly Foxburr. Now they are our musicians. Rowan plays the pipes, all sorts I should qualify, and Tolly the hand drum and bells. And both are a fair hand at the dulcimer.’

‘Let us have our supper first,’ chimed in Tolly. ‘And a few rounds of the Dragon’s ale under our belts. We’d be glad to join in the evening’s festivities.’ He looked toward Rowan and amended his offer. ‘That is, I would be willing to play. I should let my sister speak for herself.’

Rowan looked toward the table Gil had pointed out where his friends and little nephews sat. The littlest one stood on the bench waving over to her and the other players. ‘Can’t disappoint our fervent fans,’ she laughed, waving back at the youngster. ‘And I suppose we might do one short tale, too, for the boys.’ She cocked her head and looked appraisingly at the lads. ‘I’m thinking something with a dragon in it would do, eh?’ Her brown eyes turned back to Gil. ‘But let us fill our grumbling bellies first with the Inn’s good food and drink,’ she added, holding her mug out to him.