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Once Brightheart was settled into one of the inn’s comfortable stalls with water and a full manger, Peri picked up her saddlebags and headed back across the yard to the common room. The sound of her pony contentedly munching oats reminded her that it was time for her to eat, too. On the way, the driver of the cart, a harassed-looking lass named Lily, stopped and thanked her for finding an ostler. They chatted briefly before Lily had to hurry off in search of her younger sister, Ruby, who sounded like a rare handful of trouble.
Opening the round door, she stepped inside. The golden evening light coming in through the windows washed the entire room in a warm glow. At the long counter to the right, several patrons were waiting to order. Peri considered joining them, but chose instead to sit down at a nearby empty table. She saw hobbits moving about the room taking orders and it would be more comfortable to sit and put her bags down. Her discerning nose inhaled several delicious aromas, including apple pie.
To take her mind off her increasing hunger, Peri started to catalogue the large room’s other occupants. There were indeed elves – tall, slender individuals with musical voices. Looking at their beautiful faces, she understood why they were called the ‘Fair Folk’. Others in the room were near as tall as the elves, but not so willowy or handsome. Peri thought they might be Men, but was not sure, never having seen anyone but hobbits in her entire life. It was easy to overlook her own people in her excitement at seeing races she had only heard about in stories before, but she soon noticed some broad, friendly (mostly) hobbit faces seated at some of the tables. It looked like there were a couple of gammers gossiping near the great fireplace opposite the door, and a distressed-looking hobbit woman appeared to have lost track of at least some of her children.
All the while, Peri kept an eye out for any staff that might come within hearing distance.
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