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

Fordim Hedgethistle · 04-15-2005, 07:55 AM

Hearpwine’s eyes grew wide with wonder at the Halfling’s words. Could it be true that this small person had travelled so far and seen so much? Forgetting his courtly manners in his surprise Hearpwine said, “I have never even heard of these ‘New Lands’! The only realms west of the Sea recorded in the songs I know are vanished Numenor and the Blessed Realm, both of which are unreachable to those of mortal kind. If you were to but teach me how to sing of these new worlds I would accept that in payment for all that I can do here and still feel myself your debtor! How did you reach these lands, and what was the manner of your return?”

Miz Bella merely smiled quietly and put the man’s questions gently to one side, hinting that the answers to his questions would be too long in the telling. “But what,” she continued, “do you make of my proposal Master Hearpwine? Do you think it possible to teach the children a song that they can perform this evening at the Inn?”

Hearpwine forced himself to quell his insatiable curiosity (not without promising to pursue Miz Bella for the answers to his questions later) and looked about the room at the children, not a single one of who reached above his knees. “Well,” he said through a broad smile, “they will certainly be the smallest choir I have ever led! But I have been in the Shire long enough to note with joy that your kind are all possessed of exceptionally clear voices. I suspect that with the right song these children could bring tears to the eyes of the most crabbed gammer and gaffer, or lift the hearts of the most dour and sullen youths! I will gladly accept your offer!”

04-15-2005, 07:55 AM	#11
Fordim Hedgethistle Gibbering Gibbet Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Beyond cloud nine Posts: 1,844	Hearpwine’s eyes grew wide with wonder at the Halfling’s words. Could it be true that this small person had travelled so far and seen so much? Forgetting his courtly manners in his surprise Hearpwine said, “I have never even heard of these ‘New Lands’! The only realms west of the Sea recorded in the songs I know are vanished Numenor and the Blessed Realm, both of which are unreachable to those of mortal kind. If you were to but teach me how to sing of these new worlds I would accept that in payment for all that I can do here and still feel myself your debtor! How did you reach these lands, and what was the manner of your return?” Miz Bella merely smiled quietly and put the man’s questions gently to one side, hinting that the answers to his questions would be too long in the telling. “But what,” she continued, “do you make of my proposal Master Hearpwine? Do you think it possible to teach the children a song that they can perform this evening at the Inn?” Hearpwine forced himself to quell his insatiable curiosity (not without promising to pursue Miz Bella for the answers to his questions later) and looked about the room at the children, not a single one of who reached above his knees. “Well,” he said through a broad smile, “they will certainly be the smallest choir I have ever led! But I have been in the Shire long enough to note with joy that your kind are all possessed of exceptionally clear voices. I suspect that with the right song these children could bring tears to the eyes of the most crabbed gammer and gaffer, or lift the hearts of the most dour and sullen youths! I will gladly accept your offer!”