The Green Dragon Inn - Part 5

[Imladris]

The comforting words of Esgallhugwen did relieve Lira's concern a little. The singing of another Elf maiden further drove the shadows away...what was her name? Lira had heard it once before when it had been uttered casually. It was Uien. Lira flushed a little when she realized that she had never once gone over and spoken to the elf maiden. She would have to do it, when Uien was not so busy. Lira sighed as she sensed something, as if Uien was deep upon the path of memories, both good and bad.

As Lira glided toward the inn, Esgallhugwen by her side, the ugly elf wondered what she would say to the Innkeeper. She was frought with indecision, whether she should leave the inn and seek her parents at the Grey Havens, or help the Innkeeper. Lira muttered in irritation as she realized that she still didn't know the Innkeeper's name. Ah well.

Suddenly, Lira knew what she would do and a happy, though almost a sad sort of smile, flitted across her face. She would ask the Innkeeper if she could stay for a few weeks and help and, when the inn had a lull in the customers and was not so busy, she would depart for the Grey Havens.

She saw Aman coming down the stairs, ready to begin the duties of the day, and Lira quickly intercepted her. "Mistress Innkeeper," she said, hoping the Innkeeper would not be bothered with her persistent offers of help, "do you have anything that Esgallhugwen and I could do to help you in any way?"