[piosenniel]

Food at last for the hungry Dwarf

Cook looked out through the swinging kitchen doors wondering what the source of all the commotion was. Buttercup and Ruby had disappeared and none of the other servers had returned for the orders she’d dished up. Peering toward the Dragon’s door, she noted a knot of people gathered about two of the Big Folk. No – make that one of the Big Folk, the man, and one of the Fair Folk, the lady . . . and wasn’t that Ravon!

Whatever had happened, it seemed to be taken well in hand by those who’d responded. Cook turned back to the kitchen and loading up a tray of platters she shouldered it and made her way back out to the Common Room. She called out the orders as she went along, and delivered them to whomever had held up a hand.

The last was to a Dwarf sitting back near the wall. She could just see his dark eyes peering over the rim of his mug as he waved to her with some enthusiasm. ‘There you go, Master Dwarf,’ she said putting the platter of eggs and ham before him, along with a basket of thick sliced bread.’ Enjoy yourself!’ she added, putting a small crock of butter and a pot of blackberry jam down next to the basket.

‘Staying long in the Shire?’ she inquired as she did so.’