The Green Dragon Inn - Part 10

[Witch_Queen]

Aduthondiel
Aduthondiel looked around and saw Crystal setting with Angry. She walked over to the couple and noticed that Crystal seemed to be smiling. Aduthondiel smiled, she was glad to see that Crystal was finally happy. She noticed the two was talking, Aduthondiel wasn't sure whether she should go say hi or just ignore the two. "Good evening Crystal. I see everything is going fine now that you have found your dear Angry." Aduthondiel placed her hand on the hilt of her sword but all she did was rub the red ruby that seemed to shine. Aduthondiel remembered how just a few days ago she was talking to Crystal about how life is something that should be held close to you.

Aduthondiel's hair was pulled back behind her head. The cut on her cheek had only became a scar. Her blue eyes was as bluer as the morning sky. Everything was better for her now. She had no one to keep her from her life. She wished she had someone to talk to about her troubles. Calm down! There is no one here you can trust besides Crystal and Hama. Even this Angry fellow isn't to my likings. If thats what human girls are going for now-a-days. I feel sorry for the race of men.

Aduthondiel sqirmed at the thought of 1/2 human 1/2 halfing children. She thought she was going to be sick. Aduthondiel held it in and smiled to keep them from seeing her dis-approval. If it means her being with a hobbit to keep her father from finding her then so be it. Aduthondiel decided that she should go back to Rohan, but didn't know whether or not go alone. "Crystal I'm going to go back to Rohan now. I just hope your father will allow me to return. It seems as if Count has lost his way back to the Shire. I must find him." Aduthondiel didn't like the fact that her horse was without her.

About that time she felt something nudge her on the back. Aduthondiel turned to see that Count was back. She wanted to scream in happiness but refrained from it. Aduthondiel walked to the side of her horse and noticed a scroll placed on the sadle. She didn't know what it said but it was easy to tell who it was from. "Crystal... I believe you should see this." Aduthondiel gave a little tug on the seal and began to unroll it.

She didn't know what to think. Everything was going to cave in on her.
"My dearest Aduthondiel,
It saddens me to find out that your not returning to Rohan. We will miss your elven sword in battle." Aduthondiel shook at the thought of all the battles she had fought along side Crystals father. "To hear that my dear daughter is beyond this life struck me hard. I regretfully have to inform you that I wish to see you once again before you are free from my command. I will be coming to this Shire in a matter of days. I hope to see you and see what you have made out of your life. Upon my arrival I will require that you give me your horse and your dear Nehema. This is how it must be."
General Dorian
Aduthondiel looked over at Crystal, the world and life she had made was about to come crashing down on her.

"I'm sorry." Aduthondiel couldn't think of anything else to say to Crystal and Angry. She knew she was about to loose her horse and her precious elven blade. All she had was those two things, but now she was going to loose them too. What do I do now?

[Esgallhugwen]

There seemed to be a long awkward pause between them before Aldor laughed to break the silence. "Yes long journies do have that affect on people I'm afraid, too bad, perhaps I can meet him later on when he is well rested". He leaned back in the chair and took in his surroundings.

Aldor nearly fell from his seat when he heard the loud voice of Regin Hardhammer, he was accustomed to the quiet musings of the finished Inn and was not prepared for the outburst. Peony giggled lightly at him as he straightened himself out.

"You'd think I would have better balance riding horses nearly all my life" he chuckled, while giving an ear to Regin announcement.

Oh yes the party, how could I forget, and I also forgot to tell Peony of this, perhaps she'll enjoy it. He mused as he turned his gaze back over to her "forgive me I entirely forgot to tell you there is to be a party this evening at the Inn to celebrate is reconstruction and grand opening. Will you help with preparations?".

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal read the letter and swallowed hard in disbelief. The one place her father shouldn't and wouldn't come to was coming!
"Angry!" Crystal said quickly as she put the parchment into his hands. She watched as his eyes read the paper and look up at her, his fear of loosing her already setting into his eyes once again.

"Angry, you have to hide me. You have to hide yourself. Oh, everyone must not know about me! And yet they do! He will know that I still live," Crystal said as tears filled in her eyes.

Her shocked body slipped down to the floor. Her body shook. She was no longer safe in the one place she had made into her home. He wouldn't believe that she was dead. Not when so many people knew that she was here and where she was.

Her only thought now was to run, but her body wouldn't respond. The world as she knew it was coming to an end.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman smiled and gave a small laugh before nodding. "Of course I remember you, Angry Brandybuck - and if my memory serves me, 'twas you who played such a fine tune upon a certain lady's heartstrings last time you came, hmm?" She winked and Angry blushed slightly, grinning. "But of course you shall play - didn't you hear Regin? It would be excellent, Mr Brandybuck."

"It's just Angry-" corrected Angry, beaming, before he was interrupted as a wild-eyed elf flew towards them, a frenzied, desperate look on her face.

"Angry!" She cried, sounding desolate and terrified and thrusting a piece of paper at the hobbit. "Angry, you have to hide me. You have to hide yourself. Oh, everyone must not know about me! And yet they do! He will know that I still live!" She gasped heavily, tears in her eyes and one hand on her heart, then began to fall. Aman darted forward, catching her before her limp form hit the ground, and lowered her gently down. Regin had seen her and she caught his eye. "Regin, please could you get a glass of water and some smelling salts from Ruby or Buttercup?" she asked quickly. The dwarf, Illuvatar bless him, didn't protest but instead quickly slipped away. Aman let Crystal settle on her lap, apparently unconcious, and rubbed her hands slightly, but after a second the woman's eyes fluttered open again and she tried to sit up, starting and gasping, the wildness returning to her eyes. But as she tried to stand, she nearly slipped again, and Aman caught her hands, forcing her to calm down.

"Hey, hey, calm down, Crystal, calm down," she said softly, using the voice she had often used on fractious horses. "Shh, I don't know what's wrong but it'll rest a moment, alright. Calm down...listen, what's wrong? Why wouldn't you want someone to know you were alive?"

[Kitanna]

Peony smiled, "I don't know what I could possibly help with, but I would be glad to help with preperations." She scanned around the inn one last time just to make sure Deva wasn't around.

"Just tell me what needs to be done and I will do it."

~*~*~

Deva had checked into the room and had carted his knapsack along with Peony's up to the room. He knew he needed to get back to Peony, but she was old enough to look after herself.

He sat on the end of one of the beds and his feet seemed to cry a thank you to him. "I really should get back downstairs," He said, "But what's a few minutes?"

He then laid down on the bed and was asleep in a matter of minutes.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hawthorne Brandybuck and the party plans:

Hawthorne came barrelling towards the table in the midst of all the confusion. The Hobbit could see Aman kneeling with the stricken Crystal while Regin ran off to retrieve some water in response to the Innkeeper's plea. Not wanting to intrude on the doleful events now taking place, and seeing that Regin would be occupied for some time, Hawthorne beckoned to the tableful of volunteers to follow her into Mistress Aman's private parlor, a small room situated off the main corridor. The folk who'd come to plan for the party made themselves comfortable inside the cosily furnished sitting room: a few lounged on the braided rag carpet; others found places in the comfortable chairs that were arranged in a semi-circle directly facing the hearth.

At first, a number of the Hobbits quietly traded comments among themselves on the unusual events now occurring in the Common Room, expressing concern for Crystal and trying to figure out exactly what her situation was. Hawthorne quickly shushed them, pointing out that all their curious questions would not help Miss Crystal in the slightest and that Aman was already doing a good job of that.

Raising her voice and rapping on the mantle to get everyone's attention, Hawthorne brusquely explained, "Sorry to be late! But we have too much to do here in just a few hours. First, a piece of luck..... There will be a cart arriving shortly from Bag-end. The Mayor has made a generous gift of cut flowers from his garden that can be set out on the party tables. He's also provided us with plenty of seedlings for the herb and salad beds to replace the ones the ponies trampled."

"Next," continued Hawthorne, "have a look at this!." She held up a large square placard that was emblazoned with bold letters, looking over at Peony and smiling. "This tells everyone how they can help. We'll set it up in the Common Room against the wall near the end of the bar."

Hawthorne stepped back so the others could read the sign. As they crowded around the notice, she could hear the cart from Bag-end come rumbling up in front of the Dragon, loaded down with the flowers and seedlings that they would need.

*********************************************

Hawthorne's placard:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Time is fleeting! The Green Dragon would appreciate your help in preparing the Inn for the party. Please consider helping with any of these chores.
[list=1][*]Prepare your favorite dish to share with other partygoers.[*]Help arrange the tables, set out the flowers, and string up a welcoming banner at the entrance to the Dragon.[*]Replant the seedlings in the Inn's rear courtyard.[*]Mosts important of all, bring out your fiddles, flutes and other instruments to get ready for the party.[/list=1]

[Eowyn Skywalker]

Willow got up from her drink, and went to look at Hawthorn's list of party preparations, along with, as it seemed, everyone else in the room.
Her father had disappeared, probably left to get more pipeweed, as he was like.

She read through the list silently, hardly noticing the commotion in the other side of the room regarding Crystal, for Aman was already helping her.

Reading the list, Willow seen that there was little that she could do to help, for she was no cook, and knew little about gardening, or decorating. However, she could play the fiddle, and smiled to herself.

That was one thing that she could do, and she supposed that she could also help with aranging the tables, a simple enough job. She smiled: there were some things that she could do now.

But one thing was certain, she couldn't wait until the party that night. Maybe Ando would be there.

A warm glow spread to her cheeks as she thought about the gold-haired hobbit, though she had been cursing him but moments before.

She smiled again, and set off to find her fiddle, and get it tuned up, and playable by the evening.

"It has been a while since I've played," she said to herself. "But we shall see whether I still can play as I used to."

[Witch_Queen]

Aduthondiel
Aduthondiel watched as Crystal began to fall down. It was all her fault. Here she was worried about loosing her horse and sword when Crystal had to worry about her life. "I'm sorry Crystal." She turned to Aman. "Miss. Aman is it. Well Crystal's father is coming here to take away my sword and horse since I haven't returned to Rohan." The elf paused, took in a breath and continued. "I sent my horse back with an item to make General Dorian believe that Crystal was dead. Now all my work is going to fall to pieces." Aduthondiel went on telling them about how she had originally came to the Shire to take Crystal back to her father. And how Aduthondiel had a change of plans. "He believes she is dead. Once he gets here then he will find out that I lied to him. Therefore he will take Crystal back with him. Who knows what he will do to my Count."

She ran her hand along the horse's side. Aduthondiel feared now for Crystal's life along with her own. If I hadn't of came her then none of this would have happened. I've got to find Hama and tell him. I don't want to loose Count of Nehema. Yet I don't want General Dorian to take Crystal away from Angry. They are so happy together. Her heart stopped. Everything seemed to be only getting worse with the passing days. "Crystal I will leave this lovely country. I will go back to Rohan, its the only way. Perhaps I will meet your father on the road. If we want your "death" to be uncovered I must leave." Aduthondiel didn't want to leave but she had to. "That's the way it must be."

She dropped her head. Aduthondiel felt bad about everything. "My attempt to do something right has only came back to haunt me. For this I must leave now. That is unless there is something else we can do." Aduthondiel thought everything was only going to get worse for her and Crystal. "After all life is the only precious thing we have besides the ones we love."

[Roa_Aoife]

Roa noted Snaveling's quick exit, and felt a tinge of worry. She quickly brushed it aside. Why should I concern myself? Galadel was following him, anyway, so if anything was wrong, the elf could surely handle it.

There was a large commotion in the room-- apparently someone had fainted. Roa was about to see if she could help when a young Hobbit lass stood up in front of the scene and called out about the Party plans. Instead of walking to aid the young woman, who seemed to be in more than enough capable hands, she walked to see the placard. Hmm.... I have nothing to cook, and I have no instruments. I suppose I shall help with the decorations as I told Toby.

"I can help with the decorations and the planting, miss," Roa told her, "If only you will point me in the right direction." Some labor would get her mind off her troubles. It seemed the sorrow and cares that so often addorn her kin was taking her as well. No, I will not give in to grief, she thought stubbornly and forced a pleasant smile as she went where she was directed.

[Angry Brandybuck]

This all came as a great shock to Angry, and he found all he could do was stand and blink is disbelief and dismay. Soon he gained the power of reasonable thought and saw the dilema. The only way to save Crystal's new life would be to sacrifice Aduthondiel's new life, and vice versa.

Being a Hobbit, Angry had always been one to respect the law in his country and he held it as a shining light in a dark world. So the thought immediately came to him:

"Why not go and see Mayor Gamgee? He's always willing to help people out of a difficult situation, and he certainly wouldn't take kindly to some Rohan tyrant comin' in here an' orderin' everyone around as if he owns the place. And theres no need Miss Aduthondiel, for you to go ridin off like a fool, if you pardon the expression, away from a place that you like; we could hide Miss Crystal easy-like. If I know the Shire, all we'd have to do would be to hide her in the next village along or so, and we'd obviously have to not go out or anything but it would be easy to do."

Angry gestured around him "I mean, look at all the strange folks you get in this Inn all the time, no offence to 'em meant you understand, no Hobbit's gonna be able to tell the difference between a woman from Rohan and a man from Rivendell, let alone a particular woman."

[Witch_Queen]

Aduthondiel
Aduthondiel listened as Angry went on about how they could hide Crystal. She didn't want to cause any trouble. Plus getting the Mayor invovled was something she didn't want to do. "Angry, I do hate to break it to you but it doesn't matter what we do. General Dorian wants my horse and sword. He will stop at nothing until he has finished taking away everything I have." She didn't want to face the fact that she was going to loose something no matter how it was done. She had known Dorian all her life and he had always been the only one who cared about her. Even after he had taken everything from her.

"It is time for me to face the facts. No Mayor for me. Now if Crystal wants to bring in Mayor Gamgee then go ahead. I would rather leave this place and see what I can do to keep my horse and sword. Now if Crystal values her life she must leave here and not be seen for a while." She knew what she was asking was alot. She knew she had to leave and loose Count to Dorian.

She dropped her head and began to walk away from the group. "I must leave to protect Crystal. I have to." Aduthondiel placed her hand in the middle of Count's head. "I will never forget you my friend." She laid her head against the beast's head. Aduthondiel thought she had a tear running down her cheek but she wiped it away. She knew she had to leave it wasn't a mistake but if Mayor Samwise could help them with the problem then he could go right ahead. Everything had to change.

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal sat on the floor, looking out into space. The mayor wouldn't be any help. Her father had legions of men and the hobbits would be no match for them. No, they couldn't bring in Samewise Gamgee in any way.

"My father would kill the mayor, Angry. There is only one choice for me at this point in time. I must leave the Shire. At least for a while," Crystal said softly.

The thought of leaving the one place she was beginning to call home and leaving Angry was too much for her mind to handle. She buried her head in her hands and sobbed. There was no way out this time.

"Just remember me when I leave, Angry," Crystal sobbed through her hands.

[Child of the 7th Age]

GREEN DRAGON INN FACTS:

It is the 4th Age, year 12. By the Shire Calendar it is year 1433 S.R. (Shire Reckoning).

King Elessar is on the throne of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor.

Mirkwood has been reclaimed by the Elves and is now called Eryn Lasgalen.

Paladdin Took, Pippin’s father, is Thain of the Shire. (Thain is an honorary title for the military leader of the Shire. The title has been held in the Took Family since the position was first established in 3rd Age 1979 with Bucca of the Marish as First Thain.) Paladdin Took dies in year 13, and will be succeeded by his son, Peregrin, ‘Pippin’, Took.

Samwise Gamgee is Mayor of the Shire, having succeeded Will Whitfoot in 1427 S.R.

The Innkeeper, in the Green Dragon Inn of this forum, is:
Aman – a young woman from Rohan.

Before her, the Innkeeper was Piosenniel, and before her it was Dwarin, the Dwarf.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Other ongoing characters in the Inn:

Ruby Brown, Hobbit – not married – server and maid

Buttercup Brownlock, Hobbit – not married – kitchen assistant and maid

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Ongoing characters from outside the Inn:

Halfred Whitfoot – local Shiriff from Bywater and Postmaster for this area of the Shire; his pony’s name is Dumpling.

Fredgar Hornblower – local Shiriff from Hobbiton – played by Fool of a Took
_____________________________________________

Please Note:

No 'SAVES' are allowed in the Inn.

With the exception of the Innkeeper and the Moderators, no OOC (Out Of Character) comments are allowed in the Inn.

Only the Innkeeper, Amanaduial, or the Moderators move the timeline for the Inn forward.

Visitors to the Inn will need to read the posts that come before theirs to get an idea of what time it is in the Shire, what the weather is like, and what is happening.

Please be familiar with the rules for the Inn and Games in The Red Book of Westmarch, the first topic in the Shire.
__________________________________

IT IS NOW MID AFTERNOON. THE WEATHER IS PLEASANT.

THE INN IS ALLL BACK TOGETHER AFTER THE FIRE. PLANS ARE BEING MADE FOR A REOPENING PARTY.

___________________________________


Party Planning Note:

Please include the party preparations in your posts for the next few days as the placard below suggests. All party preparations will hopefully be completed by late Thursday afternoon (real time), March 18, at which time I will move the Inn forward to the evening and the party will begin.

Cami Goodchild, Shire Mod (Child of the 7th Age)

_______________________________________

Hawthorne's placard:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Time is fleeting! The Green Dragon would appreciate your help in preparing the Inn for the party. Please consider helping with any of these chores.
[list=1][*]Prepare your favorite dish to share with other partygoers.[*]Help arrange the tables, set out the flowers, and string up a welcoming banner at the entrance to the Dragon.[*]Replant the seedlings in the Inn's rear courtyard.[*]Mosts important of all, bring out your fiddles, flutes and other instruments to get ready for the party.[/list=1]

[Silent Sam]

Pippin and her cousin Merry surveyed the goings on of the inn with great intrest. They were both named after two of the four hobbits who had disappeared on a strange journey, those many years ago. Being still in their early tweens, as soon as they had caught word of there being a party, each had come as fast as thier hobbit feet could carry them.

Pippin's auburn curls fell into her eyes, drawing glances of her hobbit-boy clothes she was accustomed to wearing rather than traditional dresses. This made some of the elders scowl at her for not being a proper young girl, but she never noticed, or perhaps never cared. She wandered about the crowds looking for cousin, greeting people as they passed, and occasionally having to jump out of the way of the busy servers.

Merry wandered along the food-laden tables, every dish looking more tantilizing than the one prior. He reached out for a particularly large apple, and recived a light tap on the hand from one of the older hobbits.

"Here now lad, shouldn't y'be sayin' 'hello' to some of the others before you go straight to the sweets?"

"Hello" Merry replied, grinning.

The old hobbit shook his head, and disappeared into the crowd leaving Merry to snatch up his sighted prize...

[Galadel Vinorel]

A silver bell could be heard ringing across the yard. Smiling to herself, Galadel hurried dressing and pulled her worn, brown cloak on. She slipped her hood over her head, and tied a soft, silver case to the golden belt that graced her slender hips. Leaving the small tent that she had been given to change in for the party, she smooothly walked across the yard towards the main building of the Green Dragon Inn.

The elf entered the main hall of the remodled inn. Inside were gathered a variety of folks, all laughing and drinking, and having a splended time celebrating after their long labor. Galadel smiled and nodded to a young hobbit lass that came up to her and asked very politely if she could take her cloak. Unhooking the clasp near her neck, the cloak fell from her as she caught it in her arms to reveal the dress that elf woman was now wearing. It was a very simple, silver dress, with only a golden belt around her waist, and a thin line of gold emboridered in the shape of an ivy vine at the heam and sleeves. At her side hung a silver case, and upon her feet she wore slender silver shoes.

As the hobbit lass moved away to tend to the other gathering guests, Galadel drifted towards the fire. She stood there for a short time, warming herself, one of her hands constintanly fingering the silver case at her side. Finally, after a few more partygoers had entered the main room, Galadel pulled her flute from the case at her side. It was a wooden flute, with the shapes of animals and other forms of nature engraved in gold and silver on its sides. The beautiful instrument had been made from the wood of one of the trees of Lothlorien by her older brother, and was very special to her.

Turning around, the elf spotted Snaveling and some of her other new friends entering or gathered there in the room. Nodding to the man, Galadel brought the flute up to her mouth, and quickly choose a piece to play. And then she began to play. The soft, gentle music of the flute floated in the air, and as she played people gradually became silent to turn and listen to the music.

Yet, Galadel did not notice the many faces staring at her, for she was lost in the gentle lullaby that she played. She poured everything that she was into that piece, expanding it, making it longer, and yet structured so that it stood on its own, unaccompanied, and yet was whole. Suddenly Snaveling stood forward from where he had been standing next to Tobias. Looking at him, the elf nodded and, never missing a note, changed her melody. And then the man of the South began to sing.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

All day Snaveling had avoided Roa by helping replant the herb garden with slips of plants donated to the Inn by a well-to-do hobbit. Many of the herbs he was familiar with, but some were unknown to him. The Kingsfoil had been a welcome surprise and he had lingered long over its glorious odour. Many a night he had comforted himself with a highly-scented tea made of the herb, according to a recipe long known and cherished by his people. Eventually, the shadows had lengthened and the sky had decorated herself with stars, and the workers outside had gone off to prepare themselves for the party. Snaveling had retired to his makeshift bed in the stables – the Innkeeper had offered him a room in the remade Inn, but he preferred the privacy of his stall – and made himself as ready as he could. There was not much he could do, given he was already wearing all the clothes that he owned. Still, he had been able to give himself a good scrubbing with the help of a handful of hay and a bucket of water, and he had sharpened his knife to shave off the scraggly black beard that hung from his face like moss. There wasn’t much that he could do with his clothes, but he dusted off the muck as best he could and did up all the ties and buttons. The last thing he did, almost as an afterthought, was to take the small amulet from beneath his tunic where all could see it.

He entered the Inn with trepidation and anticipation. What met his eyes staggered him; having spent the better part of his life alone and in the wild, the plenty that awaited him within the common room was at the limits of imagination. Tables groaned with food, and were decorated with huge bunches of fresh flowers. Garlands hung from the walls and ceiling rafters, and a large fire blazed in the hearth, filling the room with warmth. Candles and lanterns added to the light, to the point where there was no shadow upon the evening. The Room was already filled with gaily dressed people, and there was music and talk and laughter from all directions. Snaveling paused for a moment on the very threshold, ready to flee should the crowd take notice of him and realize that he did not belong. But then his eye fell on Roa where she stood chatting gaily, and he stepped forward into the warm embrace of the party.

He stood in a corner, his eyes on the Woman and his heart in turmoil. He did not know what to think of his vision: ever had the woman in his dreams been a faceless person, defined solely by the comfort that she would provide him. She had been as much a feature of his lodge as was the carved front door and the bench of hewn logs at the eastern wing where he could clean his kill. But now she was a person, and one who was far more than a domestic drudge. He wanted to have Roa with him in the lodge just to be with her. The idea of actually wanting to share his life with another was so new to him that he hardly knew how to approach it – all he knew for sure was that Roa was altogether admirable and entirely beyond his reach. Recognizing this gave him an intense pain in his guts that was not altogether unpleasant.

He was drawn from his reverie by a music that felt like sunshine in autumn, and he looked about for the source of it. Galadel stood by the fire playing a tune on a little flute. The melody spoke deep to his hear, and like all Elvish music it took on a form that he saw. Green fields opened before him, and the cry of seabirds rang out. For a moment, he even felt that he could smell the slight tang of saltwater. Galadel altered the tune and looked at him. Seized by the music, Snaveling stepped forward and put the vision into words:

Flow down, cold rivulet, to the sea,
Thy tribute wave deliver:
No more by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.

Flow, softly flow, by lawn and lea,
A rivulet then a river;
Nowhere by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.

But here will sigh thine alder tree,
And here thine aspen shiver;
And here by thee will hum the bee,
For ever and for ever.

A thousand suns will stream on thee,
A thousand moons will quiver;
But not by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.

It was an old song, one that he had not heard sung since he left his homeland, and singing it took him back to much happier times in his life: times when he enjoyed the company of others and looked to them to provide the kind of solace that the lonely spirit was unable to bring itself. He looked about him, and was terrified to see the many faces of the guests openly staring at him – some in amusement, some (those who had knowledge of him) in open shock. Roa’s eyes were, however, perhaps the widest. He looked at her and, made bold – or driven mad – by the music, he sang again:

All things uncomely and broken,
all things worn-out and old,
The cry of a child by the roadway,
the creak of a lumbering cart,

The heavy steps of the ploughman,
splashing the wintry mould,
Are wronging your image that blossoms
a rose in the deeps of my heart.

The wrong of unshapely things
is a wrong too great to be told,
I hunger to build them anew
and sit on a green knoll apart,

With the earth and the sky and the water,
remade, like a casket of gold
For my dreams of your image that blossoms
a rose in the deeps of my heart.

He fell silent, as did Galadel’s flute. Snaveling slumped into a chair, his heart pounding in his ears, and called for ale.

[astarielle]

The door banged open whith a loud 'thump'. The floor boards creaked as a black boot stepped into the light of the in, quickly followed by another but with a hole in the end. The owner of the boots was that of Astarielle, an Elf from the woodland realm. She had been gone from the area for many a month on end and slowly walked, half limped, into the inn. Her travelling cloak was smothered with what can only be described as muck, go any further than that and you probably wouldn't want to know. In be frank the only part of her which was not absolutely filthy was her eyes, they still shone with the radiance of a thousand stars.

She closed the door silently, quite contrary to her entrance, and made her way to a comfy corner. She sat down as if she had not in weeks, which was probably quite true. Her travels had taken her near and far, over land,water and moutains to places rarely seen. Through snow, hail and driving rain with no thought for what she had left behind, just this moment in time. Now she returned to the place she left long ago to recuperate before setting of on another adventure with old friends as well as new.

She sang to herself, an old elven tune sung to children, those leaving and those returning;

It is a long road,
Winding ever onwards,
Never ceasing for the weary
Or those that dwell on the past.

You know where your feet have trodden
but have know idea where your next step will take you.
Walk on, walk on, with joy in your heart
Embrace life, unending
For you carry the hopes of us all
Our child.

[Crystal Heart]

Bartholomew-Arthur's brother

He hurried into the Inn. He had heard a rumor that his brother's girlfriend now resided here. His eyes scanned the room quickly. He spotted her. A beacon of a memory that shone through the crowded room. He pushed his way through until he stood in front of her.

"Miss Crystal Heart! I am so glad I found you! I bring great news. Your father was ambushed and killed twenty kilometers out of Rohan! My men took him down. He was riding without an escort. See! You must believe. I have his precious sword!" He said excitedly. He held out the sword, no longer shethed.

Crystal's eyes studied it. She held it in her hands. Slowly her face came to realization and burst into a smile. A smile he hadn't seen in years.

"Bartholomew! Do you know what this means?!" Crystal exclaimed. He nodded. Yes, he understood. The killer of his brother had been killed. Vengence had been his. It also meant that Crystal Heart could safely return to Rohan and live her life in peace.

"You can come home Miss Crystal. Isn't that wonderful!" He smiled, but saw that her eyes didn't hold the same joy.

"The Shire is my home, Bartholomew. I shan't be returning to Rohan," Crystal informed him softly. He stood back, shocked. This place was nothing compared to Rohan. She would be looked at differently because she wasn't a hobbit. Who would she stay with? Who would even look after her?

"You can't be serious, Miss Crystal?" He asked in surprise. She nodded her head and turned away. She held her hand out to a hobbit that stood near her.

"Bartholomew, this is Angry Brandybuck. Angry, this is my good friend Bartholomew," Crystal said. Bartholomew bowed his head in respect. It had been years since Arty's death. He never figured that she would move on to another love. And that was what Angry Brandybuck was, another love. He looked into her eyes and he knew that she loved Angry with all of her strength. He hadn't seen her this happy since before Arty's death. He was happy for her, but sad at the same time. Yet, it had been Arty's one wish. He had wanted her to continue on if he had died. He had confinde that in him.

"It is wonderful to meet you, Mr. Angry Brandybuck. I am sorry that you will not be returning to Rohan. Who knows, you might marry the hobbit and I'll return to see you. Make sure you tell me if that ever does happen. I wish you the best of luck," He said as he started away.

"Wait, won't you stay and celebrate. The Inn burnt down a couple of weeks back and we helped build it again. You and I could celebrate the death of my father," Crystal said. He shook his head.

"I'm needed with my men. Good bye Miss Crystal."

"Good bye Bartholomew."

Bartholomew left the happy Inn, feeling as if Crystal had made the correct choice. He hoped she was happy and would await the day when she sent message of her upcoming marriage.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

As always, it was Toby who knew what Snaveling really needed. The ale coursed through the Man’s blood and cooled the fires of self-pity and rage that coursed through him. What in the world was I thinking? he railed inwardly. And what is it about Galadel that gives her such power over me? His eyes strayed toward Roa where she sat with the Elven woman. Her reaction could not have been more dismissive nor so clear of her opinion. Snaveling was torn between relief and anger. He did not know what he had hoped for or wanted with his song, but whatever it had been he had not received it.

“Did I not tell you that you would do well to stay for this gala event?” Toby was saying, “I promise you, my friend, by the end of this night we will all be a great deal happier. We will each pay our debts to this place for bringing us together. You have your way…and I most certainly have mine.” Toby muffled another laugh as he patted his bulging vest pocket meaningfully.

“What do you mean?” Snaveling asked, intrigued by the hobbit’s manner in spite of his distracted feelings.

Toby merely winked at him, saying “All in good time.” Toby turned away to look over the crowd as a hobbit lass stepped up and spoke to him. Snaveling was in no mood for idle chatter; at the moment, even a brief conversation with his friend was beyond him. Scowling at the entire room, he drained the last of his ale and slipped away from the table. He moved along the walls to where the Innkeeper was standing. He had, of course, seen much of Aman in his weeks at the Inn, but he had avoided all but the most necessary conversation with her. He did not trust the Men of Gondor, but he despised the people of Rohan. As his own people’s nearest neighbours, they were the outsiders with whom they most often came into conflict.

Aman was talking with an especially large fellow – for a hobbit – who appeared to be someone of importance in the Shire. As Snaveling neared them both, they turned and the hobbit looked at him with open suspicion. Aman, however, courteously – if not with great warmth – asked if there were something she could do for him. Snaveling returned the hobbit’s glare before answering the woman. “Is there naught but ale and wine in this place?” he asked. “I feel the need of something much stronger!”

[Kransha]

Toby was distracted from Snaveling’s next statement by a polite female voice behind him. He spun around to face the voice’s source, not entirely ready to be addressed by anyone, but quickly regained his composure and noble demeanor. He quickly assessed the girl in front of him, looking her over from head to toe with his keenly focused hazel eyes, now half-closed and squinting as the mixed light of the inn played upon them.

“Mirabell Baggins.” said the hobbit lass as she curtsied, “Would you like to have a chat with me?”

Toby smiled warmly as thoughts began coursing again through his mind. ’A Baggins, eh? Probably one of my cousins or some distant relation. Well, no matter, she seems to be polite enough and it would do me good to talk to someone besides Snaveling. As friendly as he has become, that man just can’t have a good conversation for an extended period of time.’

“Tobias Hornblower the Third, madam,” replied the elder hobbit as he bowed, executing one of his signature dignified flourishes as he did so, “If a conversation is what you desire, I would certainly not mind obliging you.” He sat down on one of the recently vacated chairs before someone else could get to it and reclined, sighing happily. The atmosphere had elevated his mood greatly and he found that he was much more inclined to start a friendly dialogue with this stranger. He leaned forward in the chair and blinked.

“So…what is it you would like to discuss, exactly?” he queried pleasantly.

[Witch_Queen]

Aduthondiel
She was startled at the news she had heard. Could her great General Dorian actually be dead? In her heart she wanted to cry for his loss but couldn't in front of Crystal. She didn't have to leave after all, Count was going to be her's for as long as they both lived. "Crystal this is good news, but I am sorry to hear about your father." Aduthondiel wanted to say he was a good man but knew in her heart that he was only an evil tyrant. "Crystal now what are you going to do with your life?" She knew she should be asking herself the same question.

What am I going to do now that Dorian is dead? Will I stay here to watch everyone around me succomb to death while I live forever? Aduthondiel was already thinking about how life would be without Dorian around to haunt her every dream. Aduthondiel had an idea of what Crystal would probably do. Crystal would probably go on with her life and marry Mr. Angry. "I guess I don't have to leave after all. Though I can't think of any reason to stay. I have no one here. All my family.. well I'm not sure where they are now." For her age she knew that everything in her past affected what was in her future. She had to change what she was going to do if she wanted to have a happy life.

She tried to recover from the news but couldn't. Crystal seemed so happy now. Yet all she could feel was a sadness deep down. No matter how hard she tried the feeling didn't want to go away. She thought she felt a tear roll down her cheek but decided it was only her mind playing tricks on her. "I guess all our troubles have come to an end. Perhaps if I return to Rohan I will make it in time to see who your father successor will be. If I'm lucky maybe Aduthondiel will be the new General! Wouldn't that be nice." She thought she was going to fall down laughing but couldn't. She let out a giggle and went on drinking her ale. "General Aduthondiel. Has sort of a ring to it."

[Witch_Queen]

Aduthondiel
"Crystal you don't have to leave. I'm the one that needs to leave. I have caused too much trouble as it is." She turned around to face the girl. She seemed only a child to Aduthondiel. All she had to do was leave the Shire and never look back. It was simple.

"I will leave after the party is over. I wish to spend one more night with my friends." It all sounded to easy for her. After all Crystal had came to the shire before her. "Crystal it is only right. You have a life now. Don't waste it. Remember LIFE IS PRECIOUS!" Aduthondiel looked at her horse and began to remember their journey from Rohan to the Shire. "You must stay. I will go. Don't argue with me child. That is the way I must let it be."

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal looked up in shock. She couldn't forsake her life for hers! She had already done so much.

"No, he will come here whether or not you ride out to meet him. I will be the one to leave," Crystal said.

She couldn't believe that she had, but she knew her father and knew that no matter what he would come to the Shire and make sure she was dead. He trusted no one and made sure that everything was done properly. He would make sure that her 'death' was authentic and not a scam, in which it was at the moment. If she stayed he would find her. Then all of the end of the world would come. He would bring her home quietly then torture her with beatings and lashings and many other things that Crystal had had quite enough of. She would have to be the one that leaves the Shire, for the safety of her home and for her new love.

[bilbo_baggins]

"Come my young Hobbit friend, we shall help in the party preparations," said Enessar with a smile, knowing he had a wonderful friend now in this adventurous small Halfling.

"Do, lets! I love partys," was Ponto's instant reply, as they headed for the Inn.

"I think they have some tables and benches that need to be set up for the extra people who will undoubtedly show up," said Enessar; and they headed inside.

[Mad Baggins]

Mirabell awoke with a start, and for a moment forgot where she was. She was nestled in the sturdy branches of a small tree outside of the Green Dragon; yes, that's where she was. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, drawing an intricate pattern on her body. She stretched, yawned, and attempted to climb out of the tree. In her sleepy state, she executed a rather clumsy dismount and landed on her bottom. Standing up, she brushed herself off and began to walk towards the Inn. When she got inside, she noticed several patrons examining a placard. Mirabell jostled through the crowd and read the words upon said placard.

"Bring musical instruments?" she said, thinking. Remembering the little flute she had in her dress pocket, she took it out and looked it over.

"I wonder if Aman would let me play at the party?" she wondered aloud, and made her way towards the bar to ask the location of the innkeeper. A hand waved her towards the end of the counter, where Aman was keeping busy. Mirabell went over to her and cleared her throat.

"Hello, Aman. I was going to ask you, would it be possible for me to play my flute at the party?" she asked, lifting up the flute to show her. Coughing, she waited for a response.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hawthorne Brandybuck:

As late afternoon gave way to early evening, the preparations for the party were drawing to a close. The tables had been arranged along the wall with a spacious area cleared out in the middle of the floor that would soon be filled with many folk dancing once the music had begun. There was a small niche to the side just adjacent to the bar where Regin had reserved a spot for the musicians to perform. Large bowls overflowing with flowers graced each of the tables, adding to the overall festivity of the room.

Ruby and Buttercup had been feverishly engaged in cooking and baking for the past two days. They were particularly eager to please Cook who was expected to return sometime that evening. The two Hobbits had outdone themselves preparing a vast array of recipes designed to please the palates of all the guests who would be attending-- Hobbits, Men, Dwarves, and Elves. In addition to the efforts by the staff, there were a number of other platters and bowls overflowing with delicacies that the residents of Hobbiton and Bywater had dropped by the kitchen earlier that day.

Eel stew, fine beef pasties, and steak and kidney pie were crowded together on the main table along with crusty loaves of brown bread, a large bucket of apples and a varied assortment of dishes that featured mushrooms as their main ingredient. On a side table sat many deserts: apple cobbler, sweet honey cakes and dishes of candy reserved especially for the children.

Hawthorne and Regin stood together at the front of the Common Room mentally checking off last minute preparations to make sure that nothing had been forgotten. Hawthorne looked down at the list of musicians that Aman had just presented to her. At the head of the list was Mirabell's name who'd been the last one to sign up. Regin and another Dwarf had worked hard to put the finishing touches on the giant banner that now hung above the Inn's front door. Emblazoned in bold letters, the sign welcomed partygoers to the rebuilt Dragon and invited them to join in the celebration.

The front door to the Inn was still latched shut. At that moment, Hawthorne heard a scuffling noise in front as the silver bill repeatedly pealed out. The Hobbit lass ran to answer the door. Throwing it back, she spied a number of partygoers standing on the steps anxious to begin their celebration. At the head of the column stood her Uncle Meriadoc Brandybuck who'd just arrived in from Buckland. With a warm hug to Merry, Hawthorne welcomed them all inside. The party to celebrate the rebuilding of the Dragon had finally begun!

[Child of the 7th Age]

OOC Comment:

The party at the Dragon has begun! Please craft your posts to reflect this celebration.

Pio and Child

[piosenniel]

~*~ NOTICE OF NEW GAME OPENING ~*~

This RPG Discussion Thread will be opening soon:

Himaran's game: Search for Rhûn

Please read the proposal carefully and submit your character requests to the Discussion Thread as Himaran has requested once it does open.

Do not submit Character Descriptions and Posts to me.

Should be a fun game!

~*~ Pio

Check the Inn for further notice of the Discussion Thread opening.

[nynnd1]

Bredan of Gondor walked through the door, he had heard the noise from afar and did not know how his entrance would be taken, as it happened nobody even seemed to notice him, but that wa snot necessarily a good thing. It looked like the scene he expected from the stories of the Hobbit's and their land which he loved to hear, small people dancing and singing merrily, but he had not forgot his troubles, the troubles that he had since leaving the white city where he grew up.

It had been a peaceful journey from Gondor, until he was attacked at Sarn Ford by the wild men, he was still hurting, even though he had fought them off. The fact that they had stole his horse, Sam (for he had named him after his favourite character from his favourite tale) had not helped, for the walking had put back the time in which his body had to recover.

As he went to sit in the corner he smelt the room, the atmosphere just seemed to lift his worry, the shire was just what he needed, he just hoped they liked him.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman surveyed the room proudly: once again the Green Dragon has put on a spread worthy of any Gondorian hall. And it will be a party fit for any part of the Shire too, she added to herself, despite the non-halfling nature of the Innkeeper. But it wasn't quite ready yet, the Innkeeper was convinced; something was missing...Aman narrowed her eyes as she looked around the tables, sure she had missed something out.

Darting back into the kitchen, the woman visually checked everything. The rest of the cakes for later were laid out, hundreds of little teacups lined the surfaces for when coffee and tea would be served, jugs of squash, readily prepared to be brought out when the drinks already there were finished, sat covered in a clump in the middle of the central table: orange, apple, cranberry, summer fruits, pear. In the gaps and on the shelves were perched various sweet, sugary and savoury delights to be brought out on the trays stacked at the side later. Hands on her hips, the Innkeeper finally had to conceed, as she stared around the immaculately prepared kitchen, that maybe it was all ready...

Fiddling with the fine, cream-coloured linen sleeves of the long-sleeved underdress she was wearing under her pale blue dress, the Innkeeper then absent-mindedly straightened the slanting, elbow length sleeves of the overdress, mentally going through the arrangements for the party. Hawthorne is in the Common Room, Ruby and Buttercup getting ready upstairs, barrels filled behind the bar, food out on the trestles, extras in here, musicians notified and practised, Vinca arriving this afternoon!...I'll just get the trays of sweets ready now, to save time afterwards-

Aman's fidgety mind was caught mid-sentence as the silver bell at the door, not often used because the Inn was so rarely closed, pealed out clearly through the ground and first floor. The Innkeeper heard Hawthorne run for it and closed her eyes, steadying herself for a second, before opening them, a smile spreading onto her face. Think, Amanaduial - how many times have you really messed up at the Green Dragon?

With that reassuring thought in mind, the Innkeeper opened the kitchen door and swept majestically into the Common Room as the visitors entered, flowing around the small figure of Hawthorne, who, Aman could now see, was just parting from an embrace with another hobbit...

"Master Meriadoc!" she exclaimed, delightedly as he turned. Forging forward through the generally mid-torso high crowd, Aman then knelt down in front of the hobbit so as to be on his level, shaking his hand warmly. "Welcome to the Dragon, Master Brandybuck."

"Master Brandybuck? Goodness me, Aman, how distant - it's still Merry, as it ever was," came the pleasant reply accompanied by the mischievous twinkling of his bright eyes as he added, "Unless I am to call you 'Miss Amanaduial'?"

"It is Aman, as it ever was, Mast- Merry," Aman replied, smiling back, then straightened up. "Welcome again - I'm glad to have you here. I must greet the first influx of guests at least, but I hope we shall talk later?"

"Aye, Aman, I hope so," Merry agreed then, nodding politely, he turned back to Hawthorne as Aman made her way to the door, shaking hands and exchanging smiles, comments and compliments with the newcomers, human, elven and halfling. Through the elegant new door, the sun could be seen hanging nearly halfway between it's peak and the horizon - midafternoon, and as the party began, Vinca, Zimzi and Derufin drew ever nearer...

[piosenniel]

~*~ RPG Discussion Thread Open To Take On Players ~*~

The Discussion Thread for Himaran's new RPG, Search for Rhûn , is now open for prospective players to take a look at.

Please read the proposal carefully.

Follow the instructions for the characters that Himaran requires and submit your character proposal directly to the Discussion Thread - don't send them to me.

Should be a fun game!

~*~ Pio

[Witch_Queen]

Aduthondiel
Aduthondiel looked around to see if she could find Crystal. She had seemed to reluctant to leave the Shire earlier that day. Evidently she doesn't know her father as well as I do. After all I have spent more time with him than she has. The party was coming along good. Aduthondiel was suprised to see so many people there. Count was with the other horses, so Aduthondiel had nothing to worry about. It would take General Dorian a few more days to reach the inn. "Crystal?" Aduthondiel looked at the figure in front of her. The girl looked so different than she did earlier. "Can I speak with you for a little while?"

The look on her face changed, she was no longer thinking of her own safety. "Crystal there is one thing I must tell you before I leave tonight. You have to promise me that you will not leave the Shire. You have to stay here with Mr. Angry. You have made something out of your life. That is one thing I dont' want you to give up on." Aduthondiel shifted her position. "You have to stay here. I'm leaving and you can't stop that. After all I have eternity to make peace with the world. You only have now." She knew her words sounded like commands, but she couldn't figure out a way for them to seem sincere. "Crystal you must stay here. Maybe some day I can return. Perhaps to see the day in which you are to be married to some lucky man. On that day I will return with news of your fathers death. Then perhaps we can both move on with what life has for us."

Aduthondiel looked at Crystal and tried to force a smile but couldn't. Aduthondiel remembered when Crystal was a little child and had none of the worries she had now. Yet she knew times had changed and Dorian had only became cold hearted and cruel to everyone but her. She couldn't figure out why Dorian had always beens so kind to her but evil to everyone else. Aduthondiel had so much to look forward to in her life that now she knew she had to stop Dorian from coming to the Shire. "Crystal, have you seen Hama?"

[Esgallhugwen]

Aldor looked down at the Dwarf with clear blue eyes "Ah, pleased to meet you at last Master Deva, Lady Peony had said you might be sleeping because you had had a long journey", Aldor shook his hand and invited him to take a seat at the closest table.

He called Buttercup up to the table and ordered a round of ale for his newly found friends. "Forgive my cursiosity, but tell me what brings you here so far away from your own home? Are you just a wanderer like myself?". Aldor awaited the answer eagerly hoping for a story. Deva looked about as if recollecting his thoughts, glancing here and there at all the merry making going on and all the jovial faces bouncing up and down as they danced and sang.

"Well Master Aldor, first tell me a bit about yourself, then we'll see what I can come up with" his beard curled into a smile as he drank from his mug.

"There really isn't much to tell that would make a good story I'm afraid, but I'll tell you anyhow, I'm from Rohan, and though I love the land dearly I can't help but find myself wandering hither and thither across the land, not really in search of adventure or anything like that, just to feed my curiosity about the world. My Mother told me someday that it would get me into trouble, but thankfully it hasn't happened yet". He smiled and took a refreshing gulp of the frothy ale.

[Kitanna]

Deva nodded knowingly. "I too am just wandering to wander. I just enjoy travelling the lands, seeing what I can see."

He smiled and looked over to Peony, "You usually can find some good friends on the road." He paused a moment trying to recall. "I've been travelling for about twenty years on and off. I return home for some amount of time before heading out once again."

"When was it that Miss Peony joined you?" Aldor asked.

Deva took another sip from his mug before answering. "Nearly a year we have been wandering these lands. And yourself Master Aldor, how long have you been travelling?"

It was a clear sunny afternoon when the tall hobbit Hamstus Teabottle first saw the Green dragon.
"so this is the famous pub" Thought Hamstus .
Hamstus was travelling from the village of Bree, where he lived, to Bywater, where he hoped to get work as a shiriff. He of course was trained for this type of work, infact he was probaly over qualified, for he was a ranger. It was not often that a hobbit trained in the ways of a ranger, it was practically unheard of. But Hamstus was not like the average hobbit. He had a great knowlegde of wild creatures and plants and was good with a sword and bow, But the one thing hamstus did not have was respect and acceptance from his peers, the other rangers. For every good skil he possessed, therewas always a undesirable one, for instance, he could not go long with out food and always wanted to cook things like a gourmet, and this was not a good thing when alone in the woods, being full of theives and wild beasts.
These are the reasons for the move to the shire. Here he could walk in the woods all day and cook delicious foods, well maintaining the simple laws of this beutiful land.

As Hamstus walked across the bridge leading into Bywater, he thought why he Had not ever visited the inner parts of the shire. He had been to Buckland many times, once even travelling into the old forest out of curiousity. When he hd come to buckland it was mainly just to visit his cousin, Namef Brandybuck.
Namef was the one who suggested becoming a shiriff. At first hamstus did not know what he meant by shiriff, but as he soon found out a shiriff was a type of ranger, a hobbit who traveled around his region of the shire keeping the peace.

As Hamstus walked across town to the little pub, he noticed that many of the hobbits had brown hair and dark skin. Hamstus was a odd hobbit, not that he was ugly, but had very elf like features, like blond hair and pale skin.

Hamstus entered the pub. His first impression was that this pub must be very crowded on popular days, for in the afternoon it was already brisking with activity.
Hamstus approached the closet person and asked " do you know you employs the shiriffs?"

[Eowyn Skywalker]

Willow took her water in one hand, and held her fiddle in the other, tightly. She grew very embarrassed as Aman commented that she had heard her playing in the halls.

Aman noticed her seeming displeasure, and continued, "I stepped into the corridor for a moment, that's why I had the pleasure. But listen, that is no ordinary instrument, and you are a fine player. Will you not grace the party with a few tunes later on, Miss...?"

She gazed at Aman, and filled in the blank. "I am Willow Overhill," she answered after a moments pause, for she had noticed that the Innkeeper did not appear to know her name. "I am from the North Moors," she added. "No ordanary fiddle..." Willow perked up, as she sipped at her water. "No, it was passed down from my mother, and her mother before her. It is old, and I am proud to own it. Thank you again for catching it."

She gazed at the violin softly. "You heard me playing, out there. I get nervous when anyone might hear me, but I would be happy to play, if you wish it."

The younger hobbit smiled, and looked up at the Innkeeper, who was so much taller than her. "Yes, I will try to play," she said again. "And thank you for the water, Aman. And who was the dark man you were talking to?" she asked.

She reached up to hold her violin closer, it was precious to her, though some people might not understand the attatchment, beyond the fact that it was old, and had a fine tune; it was also all she had left of her mother, and seemingly now too, her brother, Ando. But that was not the case at the moment. She stroked the fiddle. "The dark man... he looked familiar," she said softly.

Willow looked up again, at the perplexed Innkeeper. "Thank you again for the water," she said. "And I will try to play, if you wish it, Aman."

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Snaveling glared at the hobbit lass with the fiddle who had interrupted his conversation with Aman. But his rage at the Innkeeper was not any less: he had seen the look she gave him before covering it over with a lighter tone and brighter eye. I do not like you either, Mistress Rohan he sneered inwardly, and if you are too poor an Innkeeper to serve the thirsty, they will have to take care to do so themselves!. As soon as Aman was gone from sight he slunk into the back hall and headed for the cellar door. He waited by it, apparently lingering about the kitchen, for the hallway to be clear. It had been months since he had last tasted ale, but he could remember the effects of drinking too much of it too quickly – and on an empty stomach. He had been so distracted with his worries this day to take much thought for food, and had instead poured his energy into working in the garden. To then cap that off with a pint of ale taken in a few breaths. . . his head (or was it the room?) was beginning to tilt slightly to one side.

There came a break in the stream of people coming through the hall, and like a ferret he was through the cellar door and closing it behind him. He took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the low light and remembered the last time he had been in the cellar of the Green Dragon Inn. It was one of the few rooms of the original Inn that had survived the blaze, but most of its contents were newly bought. He wandered through the aisles of casks and barrels looking for something appropriate to his mood. As he came to the spot where he had trapped Roa he paused and stared at the barrels that stood there. His heart was racing and his mind froze, but he forced himself to move on, shaking his head against the feelings that had threatened to overcome him.

At last! He found what he was looking for. On a high shelf near the back, dusty from years’ internment in the cellar, was a bottle of what appeared to be brandy. Taking it down he pulled the wax seal off with his teeth and then drew out the cork stopper. The vapour of the liquor entered his nose like an invitation, so without waiting for a second he swallowed a mouthful that burned his throat on the way down and started a warm fire in his belly. Smiling with self-satisfaction, he returned to the cellar stairs, carefully tucking the bottle beneath his tunic. As he was about to head up the stairs his eye fell on a stack of wine bottles left on a small table, apparently for someone to bring up for the party. The memory of Roa’s look as he sang came to him then, and for the first time he recognised in it an echo of the dislike and distrust that had been so apparent in Aman’s eye. In that moment he wanted to do something harmful to them both – but unable to strike at them, he decided on the next best thing. Without pausing to think about it for even a moment, he tilted the small table and sent the bottles of wine crashing to the floor.

He rushed up the stairs and opened the door only a crack to see if anyone had heard, but the sounds of the party had apparently drowned out the destruction of the wine. He waited for the hallway to be clear once more and then slipped out. He moved into the Common Room and sought out Toby. The old hobbit and he would have a good time tonight now that they were properly provisioned.

Atop a pale red steed built for speed and stamina a young girl only 16 years of age rides down the dark forested path that lead to the Green Dragon Inn. She is of average height of 5"3' her hair is a deep golden hue pulled back into a tight braid, her skin dark, from years of riding and training she had gone through to become a shield Maiden of Rohan. Her eyes are what people notice first, they are dark misty green/gray; they pierced what ever they sought.

She wore clothing unlike any of the surrounding lands, her white tunic is lose linen that is laced up the front with leather lacings, the tight fitting breaches were of soft deer leather, her footwear is hard riding boots that come up to her knee, tucked into each boot top are small daggers ornately carved with running wolves. Her clock is of an enchanted material, on the color shifted in the light and dark.

On her shoulder is a gray winged falcon, no leg jesses held him to her, no hood hindered his view. Strapped to her back is a broad sword, larger than a male twice her size would conceder using. Tucked into the girth strap of her horses saddle is a long bow 5 feet in height, hanging from her saddle packs is a quiver of arrows tipped with deadly tips.

As she rounded the last bend in the trail, she knew she had come to the right place to start her quest; A'owyn shield Maiden has begun her journey

[Crystal Heart]

Crystal turned to Adu and smiled.

"Of course I want you to stay. You don't have to look after me if you don't want to, but it is a comfort to know that you are here. It is so wonderful to finally be truly free to do what I want with my life," Crystal said.

She watched the Inn. This was her new home and there was now nothing on middle earth that could stop her from being just what she always wanted to be. There was nothing that was going to stop her from being free for the first time. She was the one that now got to make decisions about her life. It was the best thing that she could ever know.

"I know Hama will become the new General of Rohan. He will make a fine General and you a fine second in command. Rohan will finally be safe under the protection of you two. Rohan has finally come out of my father's tyrantry."

[Memory of Trees]

Kyria stepped through the inn door just like the hundreds of guests that had been there before her. She paused for a moment on the threshold, thinking of all the boots and sandals and slippers that had stood in that very spot. The soles of her bare feet tingled delightfully, and she was over with the enourminty of it. A thousand faces flashed through her brain, flicking past like a swarm of blinking fireflies. Opening her eyes, Kyria smiled. So many people, and she remembered them all.

The Green Dragon Inn was as full of people as the young elf's mind. Merry laughter rang out around the common room, and Kyria was immersed in a general felling of happines. She heard each voice individually, each conversation was seperate from the other. Pressing her palms together, she shivered with glee. A party! She loved parties. But first things first, of course.

After recieving a room number from the bookkeeper, Kyria headed off up the stairs. It was quieter on the second floor, and she glanced down at the slip of paper with the number on it. Room 125, it said.

Kyria rounded the corner of the hall, running smack into another guest. Both girls fell to the floor, and Kyria jumped to her feet, helping the other girl up and apologizing fervently. "Oh! Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry Ngole," she said, retrieving the other woman's slip of paper up off the floor. "Sorry, I didn't see, I guess," she said again, handing it back to her.

The young woman blinked. "It's alright," she said calmly, taking the paper back. Then, narrowing her eyes suspiciously, "But how do you know my name?"

Kyria stared back at the woman. It was too hard - too hard to explain, too hard to understand. "Lucky guess, I suppose," she said with a shrug. If she'd have had the presence of mind, Kyria probably would have said something like "the bookkeeper told me," but she was still reeling from the shock of actually touching someone. "I'm Kyria," she said, but didn't extend her hand. She wasn't sure her poor nerves could handle it.