The Golden Perch Inn

[Lilly]

Away from the Inn....but getting nearer

Hugh hummed to himself at times as Jolly plodded along behind Will’s pony, and often, too, quite loudly. He found that it helped him to think if he engaged in some mindless activity. And at the moment, he was humming one the tunes his dear old mum used to sing as she did the family clothes washing.

‘Why that’s it!’ he cried out all of a sudden yanking back sharply on his pony’s reins. ‘You, there, lad!’ he called out to Will, motioning for him to draw near.

‘That letter,’ he said wagging his finger at Will. ‘Now this is going to sound quite mad to you, I’m sure. But it’s the honest truth. That place where it was from....I remember the fellow who gave it to me said the fellow as gave it to him had come up from somewhere as sounded like.....let’s see now – "wash", "washing". No, now that’s not it.’ Hugh scrunched up his face and thought hard. ‘ "Launder"....that’s what he said, or at least something real close to it. “Launder”....’

‘That and he said the fellow told him he’d come up from the end of the river.....’

[Nessa Telrunya]

Nessa's hand fell upon something wooden. She felt around, checking the shape. Apparently it was a fence. There came the sounds of people and horses, but of all the voices, the elf could not make out the one of her travel companion, Rithri. What on Arda could have happened to seperate them? She closed her blind eyes, not wanting to alarm the owners of the surrounding voices, walking down the fence yet not letting go.

Now her hands fell on the wood of walls, and she continued, hoping to find a door. Perhaps the people inside would kindly help her to find Rithri. And if the older elf were not here, hopefully her brother Amras would come looking for her.

Nessa found a door and, taking a deep breath, knocked upon it thrice. She did not know that, instead of a private residence, she had found the Golden Perch Inn.

[Loslote]

Idhreniel walked softly into the Inn. She slipped past an elf making her way in and sat down at the back. She hoped not to stay long, for she still needed to deliver her message to Cirdan. It had grown too dark to travel, however, and she needed a place to stay. This inn would do nicely. She only wished it weren't so crowded.

Idhreniel gathered her courage and walked up to the counter. "Please, sir," she whispered, but she couldn't hear herself over the noise of the inn. She spoke louder. "Sir," she tried again, "could you tell me whether any elves from Rivendell are here?" Idhreniel wondered what was happening at home, and hoped to gather news.

[Folwren]

Dick heard the timid elf’s ‘Sir?’ but when he turned to face her, he could hear little else above the hubbub and noise of the inn. “Laud, miss, you’ll ‘ave to speak louder in these parts,” Dick said, craning his ear upwards. “Try again.”

The poor, self-conscious elf did so, bending down a little towards his ear. “Could you tell me, please, if any elves from Rivendell are here?”

Dick stood down from tip-toes and scratched his head. He looked around the common room. There were elves enough, but were they from Rivendell?

“Mithalwen there is, I think,” Dick said, nodding towards the matronly elf in the corner. “And her niece and Nephew, Cir, are, too. They’re outside still.” He stopped, hearing a rap on the door. “Who would be a-knocking on an inn door, I wonder?” he asked, beginning to walk away to answer it. “Forgive me, I’ll be just a second!”

He came to the door and opened it. When he did, he found himself looking at someone’s belt. He looked up into the face of another elf. Her eyes were shut and one hand held a carved staff.

“Can I help you, ma’am?” he asked.

[Nessa Telrunya]

Nessa was startled by how far down the voice was coming from. She turned her head in the direction, politely attempting to compose her face.

"Yes, sir, I-er, I am looking for a travel companion of mine, do you happen to know if an elf named Rithri is in the community? And-"

The clamour of voices and eating utensils clinking was a loud music from in front of her, and she knitted brows together.

"And is this a private home? If you do not mind me asking. I do not know what I will do if my companion isn't to be found."

[Loslote]

Idhreniel looked in surprise at the other Rivendell elf. She did not recognize her, which was in itself odd. Also, the name was unfamiliar. What was the point in seeking out a familiar face if it was as strange to you as the others'? Idhreniel thought, and quietly returned to the back of the room.

As she passed the door, she overheard what the innkeeper and the elf were saying. She contemplated offering her assistance to the elf, but decided against it. Instead, she paused and waited a few paces away. If the elf wanted her help, she could ask, and Idhreniel would be happy to help...but she refused to risk asking without need.

[Folwren]

“Why no. This is the Golden Perch, finest inn and ale establishment in the entire Southfarthing! Come in and welcome.” He stood aside and opened the door wider. “Watch your head, there. You elves are little too large for our humble hobbit doors.” He looked up into her face intently. He could tell she was blind, not only from the way she moved, but also from the fact that she kept her eyes shut.

“What was your companion’s name again?”

“Rithri,” she said, turning her face in his direction again.

“Well, I haven’t heard anyone give that name yet, but not everyone tells me their name, neither. Here’s another elf, just come in! She says she’s looking for an elf from Rivendell. Maybe you two could hit it off!

“Hey, Miss!” he said, addressing Loslate who stood near, unsure of what to do with herself. “I’m sure your not this Rithri chap that this lady is looking for, and I doubt she’s quite the elf from Rivendell that you were seeking out, but perhaps you can aid each other in finding who you need.”