In the Shadow of the Star: Part 1 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

piosenniel · 03-19-2003, 05:13 PM

‘Angelica and her daughter make a pretty pair,’ thought Pio. She stole glances at them as the cart rolled slowly along. Nettle was in no hurry as he ambled down the road. He had found almost every clump of tempting grass, savory weed and flower patch on his way to Angelica’s and he intended to have a bite from each on his trip home. Pio, by this time, had given in to his stubborn temperament and let the reins lay gently on his back as he clopped along.

Prisca, delighted to be the sole object of her mother’s attention, chattered incessantly, pointing out all sorts of things interesting to her toddler eyes. A pretty tree, some rock daphne at the edge of the road – so tiny yet sending out a sweet smell, a sweet cherry tree, its fruits heavy and dark with the promise of delight. The little lass clapped her hands and giggled when Pio stopped the cart and lifted her up to snatch a chubby handful of sweet, red cherries.

At last, the cart made the turn into the Inn yard. Nettle picked up his pace a bit, sensing the stable was near. Hob was on hand to help the ladies down to the ground, and took the eager Nettle back to his stall and the longed for hay to munch.

‘Well, now, who’s this!’ Hob had returned and crouched down in front of Prisca, smiling and admiring the little one’s dress. Prisca twirled, like a little blossom in the wind, to be admired and reached up for Hob’s hand as he stood up. ‘Want to go out to the garden with me, Princess?’ said Hob, holding up a small basket. ‘I’ve got to pick some beans for dinner, and you could gather a little bouquet of flowers to give your Momma if you’ld like.’ Hob looked at Angelica, who nodded her head that it would be alright. The two went off, chatting about Prisca’s momma’s garden and admiring the ladybugs that gathered on the salvia along the path.

Pio showed Angelica into the kitchen, and offered her a cool drink after the long ride. Prim and Cook were introduced, and both of them offered to be of assistance to Angelica when the time came for her to be midwife. ‘I hope you don’t mind, Mistress Piosenniel,’ said Prim, but while you were out and Mister Mithadan was otherwise occupied, I took the liberty of cleaning out that small bedroom next to yours. I’m sure you’ll want to be using that for the nursery, and it needed a good scrubbing down. Cook and I moved the armoire out, too. You won’t be needing it for baby clothes, and it was blocking the door that leads into your own room.’

Knowing better than to object to Prim’s ideas of what needed to be done, Pio simply smiled and thanked her for being so thoughtful . . . and so thorough. She put her arm round the Innkeeper’s shoulders and gave her a little hug. ‘It’s just like having another mother . . . or two,’ she laughed, nodding in appreciation at Cook.

She ushered Angelica into her quarters and showed her around. Prim followed in their wake, wanting to hear what the midwife would have to say. ‘I’m supposing the babies will be born here,’ Pio said, indicating her and Mithadan’s bed. They poked their heads into the quite bare little bedroom adjacent. ‘And this will be the babies’ room.’

Angelica looked up, perplexed at Pio, wondering what the Elf planned to clothe or bundle the twins in, much less where she intended for them to sleep. Hopefully, she thought to herself, Prim and Cook were dealing with this need also. A quick glance at Prim showed that the Hobbit had already thought about all this, and when she gave a short nod, Angelica understood everything would be in place when the time came.

‘That is about it, Angelica. Events have been rather chaotic about the Inn of late and nothing really has gotten done to prepare for the arrival of the babies.’ Pio looked mildly chagrined by her apparent unpreparedness. ‘But, now you are here, and seen what is lacking. Just give me a list and I will see it gets done.’

Prim went to Pio’s desk and took out a piece of paper and dipped one of the numerous quills in the inkwell. She looked expectantly at Angelica . .

[ March 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

03-19-2003, 05:13 PM	#11
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	‘Angelica and her daughter make a pretty pair,’ thought Pio. She stole glances at them as the cart rolled slowly along. Nettle was in no hurry as he ambled down the road. He had found almost every clump of tempting grass, savory weed and flower patch on his way to Angelica’s and he intended to have a bite from each on his trip home. Pio, by this time, had given in to his stubborn temperament and let the reins lay gently on his back as he clopped along. Prisca, delighted to be the sole object of her mother’s attention, chattered incessantly, pointing out all sorts of things interesting to her toddler eyes. A pretty tree, some rock daphne at the edge of the road – so tiny yet sending out a sweet smell, a sweet cherry tree, its fruits heavy and dark with the promise of delight. The little lass clapped her hands and giggled when Pio stopped the cart and lifted her up to snatch a chubby handful of sweet, red cherries. At last, the cart made the turn into the Inn yard. Nettle picked up his pace a bit, sensing the stable was near. Hob was on hand to help the ladies down to the ground, and took the eager Nettle back to his stall and the longed for hay to munch. ‘Well, now, who’s this!’ Hob had returned and crouched down in front of Prisca, smiling and admiring the little one’s dress. Prisca twirled, like a little blossom in the wind, to be admired and reached up for Hob’s hand as he stood up. ‘Want to go out to the garden with me, Princess?’ said Hob, holding up a small basket. ‘I’ve got to pick some beans for dinner, and you could gather a little bouquet of flowers to give your Momma if you’ld like.’ Hob looked at Angelica, who nodded her head that it would be alright. The two went off, chatting about Prisca’s momma’s garden and admiring the ladybugs that gathered on the salvia along the path. Pio showed Angelica into the kitchen, and offered her a cool drink after the long ride. Prim and Cook were introduced, and both of them offered to be of assistance to Angelica when the time came for her to be midwife. ‘I hope you don’t mind, Mistress Piosenniel,’ said Prim, but while you were out and Mister Mithadan was otherwise occupied, I took the liberty of cleaning out that small bedroom next to yours. I’m sure you’ll want to be using that for the nursery, and it needed a good scrubbing down. Cook and I moved the armoire out, too. You won’t be needing it for baby clothes, and it was blocking the door that leads into your own room.’ Knowing better than to object to Prim’s ideas of what needed to be done, Pio simply smiled and thanked her for being so thoughtful . . . and so thorough. She put her arm round the Innkeeper’s shoulders and gave her a little hug. ‘It’s just like having another mother . . . or two,’ she laughed, nodding in appreciation at Cook. She ushered Angelica into her quarters and showed her around. Prim followed in their wake, wanting to hear what the midwife would have to say. ‘I’m supposing the babies will be born here,’ Pio said, indicating her and Mithadan’s bed. They poked their heads into the quite bare little bedroom adjacent. ‘And this will be the babies’ room.’ Angelica looked up, perplexed at Pio, wondering what the Elf planned to clothe or bundle the twins in, much less where she intended for them to sleep. Hopefully, she thought to herself, Prim and Cook were dealing with this need also. A quick glance at Prim showed that the Hobbit had already thought about all this, and when she gave a short nod, Angelica understood everything would be in place when the time came. ‘That is about it, Angelica. Events have been rather chaotic about the Inn of late and nothing really has gotten done to prepare for the arrival of the babies.’ Pio looked mildly chagrined by her apparent unpreparedness. ‘But, now you are here, and seen what is lacking. Just give me a list and I will see it gets done.’ Prim went to Pio’s desk and took out a piece of paper and dipped one of the numerous quills in the inkwell. She looked expectantly at Angelica . . [ March 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.