The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter

[Kath]

As Tiliowen rose to her feet the gurgle that emanated from her stomach struck Astilwen as particularly amusing. The previously lithe and agile woman had eaten so much that she was now moving like a heavily laden cart, and the hobbit couldn't help but tease her a little.

"Are you even trying to get your tummy to make excuses for you?"

She tried to keep her words serious but the natural twinkle in her eye was soon noticed by Tilionwen, who stopped blushing and set about laughing instead. Taking advantage of the other woman's distraction Astilwen took her hand and tried to lead her on to the dance floor. Strangely though she found her way impeded, first by other patrons of the Inn and then by a dragging feeling from behind. Frowning she turned, and realised that the latter was caused by Tilionwen dragging her heels in attempt to avoid dancing.

Having learnt already that talking wasn't likely to get the woman to do something she didn't want, Astilwen stood in silence and stared up into Tilionwen's eyes, using a dirty trick she had perfected, with practice, on her mother, who could no more say no to the look Astilwen was using right now than she could go a day without a meal. It seemed to have the deisred effect on Tilionwen as well, for she sighed and reluctantly acquiesced.

"Okay, okay, you win. But all I'll be doing is sway in place until this stops complaining. Good enough?"

"Absolutely."

Astilwen replied with a smile and was pleased to see Tilionwen move ahead of her onto the dance floor. She kept her word though, simply swaying from side to side. Wondering how on earth she could get the woman to dance properly Astilwen took up position in front of her and began to copy the movements. Tiliowen tried to ignore her, resolutely looking the other way. Astilwen exaggerated the swaying, refusing to move either foot so that she was almost falling every time she moved. A few of the younger hobbits nearby were pointing and laughing, and she could see Tilionwen's eyes flicking between her and the floor, knowing the woman knew the pain of being mocked and knowing she wouldn't wish it on another person. Astilwen felt a little guilty for using what the woman had told her in confidence in such a way, but she knew that if Tilionwen would only let go of her worries and her past the night would pass much more easily.

Finally it seemed that her scheming had paid off, as Tilionwen took her hands and stopped her swaying with an amused glare. Astilwen simply grinned and waited for the other woman's attempt to argue her way out.