The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Sett · 02-28-2005, 04:22 PM

Galither woke up again only an hour after he had his meal. The man was now sitting up and staring out of the window. The weather was still bitter and withered. Alas he thought to himself the day is only half way through and however eventful it had been so far he was not intending on dwelling in his room any longer. He pulled himself up and the tall yet lean man stood up straight and stretched his arms. He touched the frail oak ceiling; it was hard but incredibly smooth. As he rubbed his hand along the ceiling it felt so gentle.

He reached the door and with the strength he had gained in his sleep allowed such movement afoot. He gasped the handle and turned it but held back before pulling it back as he was hesitant on going back into the public domain. He plucked up enough courage and the door swung open very swiftly.

As he moved out into the hallway he saw a few hobbits going downstairs and some were going back to their rooms. Much action was taking place in such a small area. He walked down the stairs occasionally having to let maids going up until reaching the bottom where he proceeded into the inn.

He was now in need of a strong ale to give him the vigour needed to take on the rest of the day. He also was now very curious as to the whereabouts of his kinsmen but that was too heavy a burden on his heart that only images of sweet Esmerelda deemed fit to contemplate.

Upon reaching the bar he ordered ale and sat on the bar slumped down, sipping it slowly and with peace.

Noinkling · 03-01-2005, 03:03 AM

At the squeal from the kitchen, both Benat and Cook looked toward the closed doors, concern on their faces. As a reflex, Benat looked down where Cullen had lain so quietly, or so he thought. The dog was no longer there, nor was he anywhere in sight as Benat scanned the room.

‘Bear and bee! Now where’s he got off to?’ Benat’s eyes were drawn back to the kitchen’s doors and he had a growing dread that somehow Cullen and the squeal were connected. ‘Begging your pardon, m’am,’ he said to Cook but I think I should check on the whereabouts of my dog. I fear he’s gone in there and scared someone.’

He stood, dwarfing Cook as he did so, and turned to make his way to the kitchen.

piosenniel · 03-01-2005, 03:42 AM

Cook speaks to Camille

Not wanting to be left behind, Cook stood up and followed along behind the giant of a man. His long strides carried him quickly to the kitchen doors, while she bustled along at a dead run. Breathless, she entered behind him, to find a young, dirty, ragamuffin of a child the center of the crowd’s attention.

‘What’s all this?’ she asked, drawing Buttercup aside. She listened carefully, nodding her head, as Buttercup filled her in on the ‘facts’. The urchin was a girl; Camille Hedgeburrow, to be exact. The dog it seemed had come into the kitchen looking for Ginger and ferreted out the lass who was hiding in the pantry. The child had stolen a dress meant for another Hobbit lass, along with a loaf of bread and the remnants of two apples from the apple crisp.

‘A generous offer,’ said Cook hearing Mr. Headstrong’s proposal. ‘I do think a meal is better than a visit from the Shiriff. But if it were me, I would not be giving the lass Mistress Marigold’s dress so easily.’ She stepped up to where Camille stood and put the fingers of her right hand beneath the girl’s chin, drawing it up to look her in the eye. ‘You’re a wee one, but you look able-bodied enough, despite the meals you’ve missed. And you look sorry enough you took the dress and proud enough not to want a hand-out if you were given the chance to earn it for yourself. Isn’t that so? Or I have I read you wrong?’

Primrose Bolger · 03-02-2005, 02:15 AM

Ginger and Cullen and Benat

Catching a grey shadow move at the corner of her eye, Ginger looked away from where Cook was speaking with Camille. Cullen’s tail was drooping down as he moved slowly toward where Benat stood. The man’s stern gaze was bent on the dog, and he growled some low command at Cullen, motioning at the same time for him to ‘come’.

‘Oh, sir,’ said Ginger, walking hastily to the dog’s side. ‘Don’t be angry at poor Cullen!’ The dog gave a few weak thumps of his tail as Ginger stood by his side. ‘He was just bent on seeing me. And I had promised him something tasty from the kitchen. I’m sure he just came to remind me.’ She flung her arms about the dog’s large neck and gave him a hug. ‘He really did help find the child, you know. Camille, there.’ Ginger gestured to where Cook was talking to the girl. ‘And all for the best, too. Cook’ll see right by her. And so will Mister Headstrong, I think.’

She and Cullen had reached where Benat stood in the doorway to the kitchen; Ginger talking all the while as they had drawn near. ‘You know,’ she said, ‘I wasn’t sure what to give Cullen for a treat. That is if it’s alright with you for him to have a treat. Because I remember you said you didn’t eat meat. But how about him? Does he eat meat” Or shall I make him a nice bowl of mush with butter and honey?’

Huan · 03-02-2005, 03:10 AM

Anyopâ sat quietly at his table. Grey eyes peering over the oft raised mug took in the little scenes in the room about him. A ways away had been an interesting tableau. A woman in a pale blue dress, her hair catching the sun’s pale beams as they happened for a moment through a far window. A man, whose face often traveled to the woman in blue. An Elf. And one of the small folk, a child, at that. Tensions shimmered in the air about the group as bodies tensed and teased and questioned and laughed. To be a fly on the wall, he thought, his eyes glinting at the party.

And now the Elf and child were away and the space between the man and woman crackled it seemed . . .

Gold and silver in twining bands the setting . . . set with a small oval of obsidian, one tiny deep green emerald set slightly off center within the black stone . . . Even now he could see the deep green glimmer casting a small light on the smooth, polished black surface. Anyopâ fetched his small chapbook from the pack at his feet and with quill and ink got from a side pocket, quickly sketched in his design.

Sketch done, he noted a trio of women not far from him . . . two at one table, one adjacent to them. The two had invited the third to join them. Three travelers sharing each other’s company as well as a meal.

Three freshwater pearls! He grinned, seeing the necklace of three different colored pearls spaced on a short chain of fine silver links, gracing the slender neck of some maiden.

And there at the bar, slumped on a stool, sipping a drink to fortify himself for the rest of the day sat a lone man. Tall and lean he was, yet the day sat heavily on him, or so it seemed to Anyopâ, and bore him down.

A thick gold band . . . a ring of promise. One lone diamond set flush in it. Round cut, many facets . . . with a deep brilliance, a fire that pierces the heart.

Anyopâ roughed in the sketches for the necklace and the gold and diamond ring. Accompanying each of the designs was a small bit of text, giving the flavor of the scenes that had prompted them. He smiled, pleased with the drawings and put the leather journal back in his pack. Later, he would work on the drawings in more detail. He leaned back in his chair, pouring himself another drink from the pitcher one of the servers had left. He raised his mug discretely to the room in general, giving thanks to whatever whimsy of fortune had brought him to this most interesting of places.

Sett · 03-02-2005, 09:33 AM

Galither sat at the bar downing much ale and reminiscing on past events. Such subtleties lay heavy on his thoughts as each gulp washed nothing but the taste of the earth from his mouth. The time outside caused deep emotions to arise once again as the topic of his love was that of sensitivity.

He made grumbles as the ale rose to his head and the bittersweet taste of grand ale caused his anger to diminish and glee to reveal itself. He found himself smiling and enjoying his thoughts. The ale became a catalyst if only for a moment for his inner feelings. It became hope that he may soon find his love. Find her in a place untold for he knew only that she waits for him in a place imaginable only to him and others a loss.

The sound around him was becoming very placid. It was a new time. High noon was upon Galither. His day was very disturbed and he had not expected when dawn was here that such things may happen in such tranquil of places. Then again the silence always hid the most monstrous things. Life here was far from that but the way the day had planned out Galither did question its integrity. Well such things were not to be though of at this time for things were beginning to liven up it just required Galither to reach peace at least for the time being. His only option was more ale and that is what he ordered.

The women at the counter came up to Galither with the large pot of ale in which his inquired and he drunk it like he was starved of such luxuries. Reason for this was that it calmed his soul and this is what he needed at times of such heartache. He continued to grumble to the people around him who shrug him off as a drunken fool. Galither of course was having deeper thoughts and was making sense at least to himself

Witch_Queen · 03-02-2005, 09:41 AM

Jon rode up to the inn, his brown hair almost drenched from the rain. Taking his horse to the stables, Jon noticed all the cheer he could hear coming from inside the little building. He pulled the hood to his cloak over his head attempting to keep his identity hidden for the time being. He placed his hand on the horses mane before turning to head inside. "I'll be back in a moment. Stay here and don't run off." Jon could feel that the horse wasn't sure if he could trust the look of the inn. Everything seemed so cheerful and yet at the same time it was as if a darkness was hanging over the inn.

Walking to the front door of the inn, Jon could sense an undying happiness on the other side of the door. Scratching his short beard Jon decided to go on inside and see what the place was like. Raising his left hand he proceeded to open the door only after he hesitated for a minute. Opening the door Jon's brown eyes began scanning the room. No one look the least bit familar. He pulled his cloak tighter around his body and the hood over his eyes. The smell of pipe weed filled the air almost causing Jon to begin coughing. He hadn't been around the scent of pipe weed in many years.

Tevildo · 03-03-2005, 01:04 AM

Camille's eyes darted from Falco back to Cook, her face openly betraying the confusion and surprise she was feeling. Of all the possible outcomes, she had never expected this. For a moment the lass was so overcome that she stood dumbfounded with her jaw dropping open. Finally, she stammered out a few words, "You are both too kind. I can't believe my good fortunte. Cook, I would like to work. I do still have one skirt that I can wear. I will go get it in a bit and then return quickly so you can tell me what I should do."

"It's no excuse about the thieving," Camille added, "but things at home are tough. We lost Da a year ago when his horse bolted and the wagon overturned. My brother was with him. He hasn't been able to walk since then. Mum does her best, but she brings in only a few pennies by doing laundry and mending. She looks tired and old, and there is never enough. If I could earn a bit, it would help. We're staying in one of the old burrows." Camille gestured with her hand towards the open window towards the back of the Inn where you could see the beginnings of the path that meandered down to The Water.

She thoughtfully fingered the dress and turned to her other benefactor, "Master Falco, I don't know what to say. You are a dear. I should never have taken this. I know the difference between right and wrong. But sometimes a body just wants to change things so badly. Anyways, your little Marigold will be sad, and I wouldn't want that. Your offer is sweet but you must take this back to her. My mother wouldn't like that I'd taken something, even with your blessing. And where ever would I wear such a fancy thing? "Tis not for the likes of me." With that, Camille bobbed a curtsey and added, "But I should be most grateful for that lunch before I go. I'm afraid I may eat a hefty plate or two and tuck away the leftovers to take to Mum, if your pocketbook can take it. Perhaps, if I work at the Inn, I can get to know your sweet Marigold someday."

With that, Camille followed Falco over to the table where the two of them sat down.

03-01-2005, 03:03 AM	#2
Noinkling Wight Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Bird and Baby Posts: 109	At the squeal from the kitchen, both Benat and Cook looked toward the closed doors, concern on their faces. As a reflex, Benat looked down where Cullen had lain so quietly, or so he thought. The dog was no longer there, nor was he anywhere in sight as Benat scanned the room. ‘Bear and bee! Now where’s he got off to?’ Benat’s eyes were drawn back to the kitchen’s doors and he had a growing dread that somehow Cullen and the squeal were connected. ‘Begging your pardon, m’am,’ he said to Cook but I think I should check on the whereabouts of my dog. I fear he’s gone in there and scared someone.’ He stood, dwarfing Cook as he did so, and turned to make his way to the kitchen. __________________ But the place that draws me ever/When my fancy's running wild,/Is a little pub in Oxford/Called The Eagle and the Child . . .

03-01-2005, 03:42 AM	#3
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Cook speaks to Camille Not wanting to be left behind, Cook stood up and followed along behind the giant of a man. His long strides carried him quickly to the kitchen doors, while she bustled along at a dead run. Breathless, she entered behind him, to find a young, dirty, ragamuffin of a child the center of the crowd’s attention. ‘What’s all this?’ she asked, drawing Buttercup aside. She listened carefully, nodding her head, as Buttercup filled her in on the ‘facts’. The urchin was a girl; Camille Hedgeburrow, to be exact. The dog it seemed had come into the kitchen looking for Ginger and ferreted out the lass who was hiding in the pantry. The child had stolen a dress meant for another Hobbit lass, along with a loaf of bread and the remnants of two apples from the apple crisp. ‘A generous offer,’ said Cook hearing Mr. Headstrong’s proposal. ‘I do think a meal is better than a visit from the Shiriff. But if it were me, I would not be giving the lass Mistress Marigold’s dress so easily.’ She stepped up to where Camille stood and put the fingers of her right hand beneath the girl’s chin, drawing it up to look her in the eye. ‘You’re a wee one, but you look able-bodied enough, despite the meals you’ve missed. And you look sorry enough you took the dress and proud enough not to want a hand-out if you were given the chance to earn it for yourself. Isn’t that so? Or I have I read you wrong?’ __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

03-02-2005, 02:15 AM	#4
Primrose Bolger Wight Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Near Bywater Pool Posts: 196	Ginger and Cullen and Benat Catching a grey shadow move at the corner of her eye, Ginger looked away from where Cook was speaking with Camille. Cullen’s tail was drooping down as he moved slowly toward where Benat stood. The man’s stern gaze was bent on the dog, and he growled some low command at Cullen, motioning at the same time for him to ‘come’. ‘Oh, sir,’ said Ginger, walking hastily to the dog’s side. ‘Don’t be angry at poor Cullen!’ The dog gave a few weak thumps of his tail as Ginger stood by his side. ‘He was just bent on seeing me. And I had promised him something tasty from the kitchen. I’m sure he just came to remind me.’ She flung her arms about the dog’s large neck and gave him a hug. ‘He really did help find the child, you know. Camille, there.’ Ginger gestured to where Cook was talking to the girl. ‘And all for the best, too. Cook’ll see right by her. And so will Mister Headstrong, I think.’ She and Cullen had reached where Benat stood in the doorway to the kitchen; Ginger talking all the while as they had drawn near. ‘You know,’ she said, ‘I wasn’t sure what to give Cullen for a treat. That is if it’s alright with you for him to have a treat. Because I remember you said you didn’t eat meat. But how about him? Does he eat meat” Or shall I make him a nice bowl of mush with butter and honey?’ __________________ . . . for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth . . . are quick of hearing and sharpeyed, and though they are inclined to be fat and do not hurry unneccesarily, they are nonetheless nimble and deft in their movements . . . FOTR - Prologue Last edited by Primrose Bolger; 03-03-2005 at 02:58 AM.

03-02-2005, 03:10 AM	#5
Huan Haunting Spirit Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Halls of Oromë Posts: 54	Anyopâ sat quietly at his table. Grey eyes peering over the oft raised mug took in the little scenes in the room about him. A ways away had been an interesting tableau. A woman in a pale blue dress, her hair catching the sun’s pale beams as they happened for a moment through a far window. A man, whose face often traveled to the woman in blue. An Elf. And one of the small folk, a child, at that. Tensions shimmered in the air about the group as bodies tensed and teased and questioned and laughed. To be a fly on the wall, he thought, his eyes glinting at the party. And now the Elf and child were away and the space between the man and woman crackled it seemed . . . Gold and silver in twining bands the setting . . . set with a small oval of obsidian, one tiny deep green emerald set slightly off center within the black stone . . . Even now he could see the deep green glimmer casting a small light on the smooth, polished black surface. Anyopâ fetched his small chapbook from the pack at his feet and with quill and ink got from a side pocket, quickly sketched in his design. Sketch done, he noted a trio of women not far from him . . . two at one table, one adjacent to them. The two had invited the third to join them. Three travelers sharing each other’s company as well as a meal. Three freshwater pearls! He grinned, seeing the necklace of three different colored pearls spaced on a short chain of fine silver links, gracing the slender neck of some maiden. And there at the bar, slumped on a stool, sipping a drink to fortify himself for the rest of the day sat a lone man. Tall and lean he was, yet the day sat heavily on him, or so it seemed to Anyopâ, and bore him down. A thick gold band . . . a ring of promise. One lone diamond set flush in it. Round cut, many facets . . . with a deep brilliance, a fire that pierces the heart. Anyopâ roughed in the sketches for the necklace and the gold and diamond ring. Accompanying each of the designs was a small bit of text, giving the flavor of the scenes that had prompted them. He smiled, pleased with the drawings and put the leather journal back in his pack. Later, he would work on the drawings in more detail. He leaned back in his chair, pouring himself another drink from the pitcher one of the servers had left. He raised his mug discretely to the room in general, giving thanks to whatever whimsy of fortune had brought him to this most interesting of places. __________________ But Huan the hound was true of heart, and the love of Lúthien had fallen upon him in the first hour of their meeting; and he grieved at her captivity . . .

03-02-2005, 09:33 AM	#6
Sett Pile O'Bones Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: The Baths of Hell Posts: 24	Galither Inner Sanctum Galither sat at the bar downing much ale and reminiscing on past events. Such subtleties lay heavy on his thoughts as each gulp washed nothing but the taste of the earth from his mouth. The time outside caused deep emotions to arise once again as the topic of his love was that of sensitivity. He made grumbles as the ale rose to his head and the bittersweet taste of grand ale caused his anger to diminish and glee to reveal itself. He found himself smiling and enjoying his thoughts. The ale became a catalyst if only for a moment for his inner feelings. It became hope that he may soon find his love. Find her in a place untold for he knew only that she waits for him in a place imaginable only to him and others a loss. The sound around him was becoming very placid. It was a new time. High noon was upon Galither. His day was very disturbed and he had not expected when dawn was here that such things may happen in such tranquil of places. Then again the silence always hid the most monstrous things. Life here was far from that but the way the day had planned out Galither did question its integrity. Well such things were not to be though of at this time for things were beginning to liven up it just required Galither to reach peace at least for the time being. His only option was more ale and that is what he ordered. The women at the counter came up to Galither with the large pot of ale in which his inquired and he drunk it like he was starved of such luxuries. Reason for this was that it calmed his soul and this is what he needed at times of such heartache. He continued to grumble to the people around him who shrug him off as a drunken fool. Galither of course was having deeper thoughts and was making sense at least to himself

02-28-2005, 04:22 PM	#1
Sett Pile O'Bones Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: The Baths of Hell Posts: 24	Galither Galither woke up again only an hour after he had his meal. The man was now sitting up and staring out of the window. The weather was still bitter and withered. Alas he thought to himself the day is only half way through and however eventful it had been so far he was not intending on dwelling in his room any longer. He pulled himself up and the tall yet lean man stood up straight and stretched his arms. He touched the frail oak ceiling; it was hard but incredibly smooth. As he rubbed his hand along the ceiling it felt so gentle. He reached the door and with the strength he had gained in his sleep allowed such movement afoot. He gasped the handle and turned it but held back before pulling it back as he was hesitant on going back into the public domain. He plucked up enough courage and the door swung open very swiftly. As he moved out into the hallway he saw a few hobbits going downstairs and some were going back to their rooms. Much action was taking place in such a small area. He walked down the stairs occasionally having to let maids going up until reaching the bottom where he proceeded into the inn. He was now in need of a strong ale to give him the vigour needed to take on the rest of the day. He also was now very curious as to the whereabouts of his kinsmen but that was too heavy a burden on his heart that only images of sweet Esmerelda deemed fit to contemplate. Upon reaching the bar he ordered ale and sat on the bar slumped down, sipping it slowly and with peace.

03-02-2005, 09:41 AM	#7
Witch_Queen Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Pandora's box... "LET ME OUT OF HERE!" Posts: 344	Jon rode up to the inn, his brown hair almost drenched from the rain. Taking his horse to the stables, Jon noticed all the cheer he could hear coming from inside the little building. He pulled the hood to his cloak over his head attempting to keep his identity hidden for the time being. He placed his hand on the horses mane before turning to head inside. "I'll be back in a moment. Stay here and don't run off." Jon could feel that the horse wasn't sure if he could trust the look of the inn. Everything seemed so cheerful and yet at the same time it was as if a darkness was hanging over the inn. Walking to the front door of the inn, Jon could sense an undying happiness on the other side of the door. Scratching his short beard Jon decided to go on inside and see what the place was like. Raising his left hand he proceeded to open the door only after he hesitated for a minute. Opening the door Jon's brown eyes began scanning the room. No one look the least bit familar. He pulled his cloak tighter around his body and the hood over his eyes. The smell of pipe weed filled the air almost causing Jon to begin coughing. He hadn't been around the scent of pipe weed in many years. __________________ And when this life is over... and I stand before the God... I'll dream I'm back here standing in my nowhere land of Oz.....

03-03-2005, 01:04 AM	#8
Tevildo Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Curled up on Melko's lap Posts: 425	Camille's eyes darted from Falco back to Cook, her face openly betraying the confusion and surprise she was feeling. Of all the possible outcomes, she had never expected this. For a moment the lass was so overcome that she stood dumbfounded with her jaw dropping open. Finally, she stammered out a few words, "You are both too kind. I can't believe my good fortunte. Cook, I would like to work. I do still have one skirt that I can wear. I will go get it in a bit and then return quickly so you can tell me what I should do." "It's no excuse about the thieving," Camille added, "but things at home are tough. We lost Da a year ago when his horse bolted and the wagon overturned. My brother was with him. He hasn't been able to walk since then. Mum does her best, but she brings in only a few pennies by doing laundry and mending. She looks tired and old, and there is never enough. If I could earn a bit, it would help. We're staying in one of the old burrows." Camille gestured with her hand towards the open window towards the back of the Inn where you could see the beginnings of the path that meandered down to The Water. She thoughtfully fingered the dress and turned to her other benefactor, "Master Falco, I don't know what to say. You are a dear. I should never have taken this. I know the difference between right and wrong. But sometimes a body just wants to change things so badly. Anyways, your little Marigold will be sad, and I wouldn't want that. Your offer is sweet but you must take this back to her. My mother wouldn't like that I'd taken something, even with your blessing. And where ever would I wear such a fancy thing? "Tis not for the likes of me." With that, Camille bobbed a curtsey and added, "But I should be most grateful for that lunch before I go. I'm afraid I may eat a hefty plate or two and tuck away the leftovers to take to Mum, if your pocketbook can take it. Perhaps, if I work at the Inn, I can get to know your sweet Marigold someday." With that, Camille followed Falco over to the table where the two of them sat down.