The Green Dragon Inn - Part 10

[Amanaduial the archer]

Aman smiled her thanks at the hobbit maids and Aduthondiel as they helped her to push the heavy tabls together with magnificent effort. Looking at their faces, she saw underneath the nervousness some sort of sparkling anticipation, something which over-rode the anxiousness and inspired the Innkeeper's confidence. Yes, they would be fine, she was sure.

Standing in front of the tables which, as an afterthought, she had brought to a more central position in the room, greeted by puzzled looks from the customers, Aman clapped her hands twice and addressed the people, big and small, all around.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her Rohirrim accent clear and crisp, causing the room to quiet a little. "We are priviledged tonight to have some extra entertainment for this party - a group of musicians to play for us. I present to you, to celebrate a new era of this Inn, Misses Willow, Daisy, Mira and Lily!"

To the sound of applause, Aman helped the hobbits gracefully onto chairs around the tables and from there onto the tables itself. Willow was last and as Aman helped her up, she held onto her hand for a moment, smiling as the hobbit looked down at her. "Thank you," the Innkeeper whispered.

Turning to one side, Aman looked inquiringly at Aduthondiel as she drew her to one side. "Thank you for your help there, miss - now how can I help you?"