Holly poured pints until her right arm ached. She smiled prettily at the customers, and turned her face when one leaned in too close and blew their sour breath her way. She could see the end of the line at last and gave a great sigh when the final drop was poured.
She took off her apron, and hung it on the peg just inside the door to the kitchen. Approaching Díra, she waited until she also had finished with her lot, then told her that she would be off now. She had stayed too long as it was.
She wrapped her cloak about her and walked hurriedly to the stable, carrying a small tankard of ale. A kiss on the cheek to the stableboy and the promised pint, then she and her pony were off into the night.
There was business to attend to in Gondor.
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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