The Golden Perch Inn - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Forest Elf · 08-01-2006, 08:12 PM

“Thanks.” Gable said when they were on the ground again. Now that she thought about it, it was probably a good thing her sleeve was nailed there, or she would have fallen… Then again, she’d never of been in that situation if she’d never climbed up there in the first place, yet she couldn’t resist. She had to make herself useful, or she’d just go off wandering again. Like her mother was when she was young…and alive.

Gable suddenly remembered the pony. Odd, she hadn’t thought about it all day, when usually she would be worrying her head off about stuff like that. Must be because of all the commotion, and unexpected visitors from Rivendell, Cir and Cir. She was glad to see them again, yes. But in seeing them again, it brought up old memories of times at Rivendell. Running off on a new adventure, riding all day without a care in the world, her parents always telling her not to wander off to far to no extent, and no use. She wandered no matter how much they told her. At times, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it had been her fault that they died. That she should have listened and they’d still be here. Yet, she wouldn’t be here, in the beautiful and peaceful Shire, and made the friends she has now.

Celuien · 08-02-2006, 06:53 PM

Once Gable's feet were safely on firm ground, Primrose let out a sigh of relief. She knew only too well the effects of a fall and would have been sorry to see another dweller at the Golden Perch harmed.

Will still lingered at the other side of the ladder. Primrose hopped closer, reached into her pocket and pulled out the apple she had found in her lap earlier. A soft twinkle came into her eyes. A corner of her apron served to polish the apple again, though the bright red peel already reflected the afternoon sun almost as brightly as the waters of a still pond.

"Thank you for the apple, Will," she said, and laughed gently as Will was suddenly flustered by her acknowledgement of the gift. "Don't look so surprised. There aren't many here as would take the trouble to shine up an apple for me as bright as you did." Primrose suddenly found herself blushing again as she went on, "But an apple always tastes sweeter if there's someone to talk to while you're eating it. Would you like some company?" She added quickly, "It's lonely out of the kitchen."

Arry · 08-03-2006, 01:41 AM

Now had it been yesterday, Will would have had no problem inviting Prim in to share an apple. But somehow, since this morning, his ordinary, dependable, routine life had gone slightly askew. He found himself quite tongue-tied and somehow the area under his collar had grown quite hot.

We…we’d be alone in there! And have mercy! Wasn’t she standing there looking at him, her eyes all twinkly. Were they twinkly before and he hadn’t noticed? He couldn’t remember.

Will managed somehow to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth and squeaked out, ‘Company?’ He brought his fist to his mouth and coughed, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

‘Company, yes...that would be nice,’ he managed. ‘But, you know,’ he went on, ‘the floor in the stable’s pretty uneven, and I wouldn’t want you to fall again.’ He touched her lightly on the elbow, saying, ‘May I?’ offering support. ‘Why don’t we go on into the kitchen? I didn’t get any of the stew.’ ‘And,’ he grinned at Prim, his hunger lending him confidence, ‘I’d sure like a few more of the mushrooms Cela fried.’

He paused for a moment – the thought suddenly striking him that perhaps she might have her own druthers about where she wanted to have her meal.

‘Or…we could just go into the common room. See who’s there. What do you think?’

Noinkling · 08-03-2006, 02:42 AM

Two pairs of dark eyes turned quickly to consider the source of the loud noise. An Elf, of course! The blighters were good at sneaking up on folk. thought Bívor, turning back to look at his brother. Bávor stroked his chin as he looked the singer up and down. Both pushed back their chairs a bit and flicked their gazes toward Skirvir. Their cousin was not overly fond of Elves. Overbearing; rude, he thought them. And the name “Naugrim”, which was so often used by the Elves, grated on him each time he heard it said.

Skirvir’s eyes were seemingly drawn to a small puddle of ale on the table. With his index finger, he traced a spiral, in and out and in once again. ‘So,’ he spoke at last, his brow furrowed, questioning. ‘Do I have the right of it? You Elves are in need of Dwarven help?’

Envinyatar · 08-03-2006, 12:24 PM

Cela’s gaze had darted towards Jack and back to Dick; her eyebrows raised. Jack squirmed a bit under her scrutiny. Buck up, boyo! he chided himself. You’ve got to help out if you’re to stay at the inn. And this is what needs doing at the moment.

He’d followed Master Dick’s advice and sought out Tollers. They’d made an agreement that Tollers would set up the trays for him to bring out to the folk; that way allowing him to avoid the further eagle-eyed look-over of the cook. Jack had done fairly with this system, picking his way carefully between the tables as he delivered the bowls of stew and bread and mushrooms.

For the most part the meal had gone passably. With only one small mishap of a dropped bowl, luckily empty, just outside the kitchen door that had simply jumped from his tray to spite him. Jack had grabbed the broom and dustpan quick as a wink and tidied the pieces up; wiping up what little spatter there was with a spare bar towel. He’d placed the pieces in the wooden dustbin behind the bar, figuring to himself that it was only one bowl and no need to be letting Mistress Cela know.

He hadn’t time to keep tab on Tollers; the fellow seemed a bit preoccupied to Jack. And he wondered if he was going to hold true to their agreement and keep mum on the coin he’d found.

Another call from a table of Stock folk drew his attention and he nodded at them. Cries of ‘More fish stew, my good sir!’ rang out. Partly, Jack thought, because they hadn’t yet filled that hollow leg of theirs to the brimming; and partly, too, because they found it a novelty that one of the Big Folk was serving them.

Back to the kitchen he went, keeping his head down and his eyes on his work as he fetched the stew and another basket of bread himself.

Folwren · 08-03-2006, 03:25 PM

“Food’s all ready,” Cela informed him, giving him a piercing glance for goodness knows what. “And if everything is set, I can start dishing up some plates.” Her eyes flicked briefly in the direction of the Man standing there and Dick suddenly understood completely. He smiled, as winningly as he could.

“Why, Cela, that’s wonderful. I think if you think all is set and ready, then it is. Go ahead. Run on in there and start dishing things up, I’ll be in shortly to double check that everything is prepared.”

Cela turned in a small huff and Dick lifted his eyebrows after her before turning back to Jack. “Run along now,” he said, nodding his head towards Tollers, busy about the tables. “If we have any further questions to discuss, we can later.”

Jack went and Dick turned to go into the kitchen. He braced himself for the storm as he stood in the doorway, seeing Cela spooning steaming spoon fulls of the stew into the wooden bowls with no little impatience.

“A’right,” said Dick, walking forward. “What’s eating you?”

Celuien · 08-03-2006, 04:55 PM

In the flurry of activity that followed Gable's near accident, Primrose hadn't noticed the lengthening shadows that marked how many hours had passed. The day was heading well into afternoon, and Primrose's appetite had grown far beyond an apple. Mushrooms and stew, however, sounded perfect.

"Mushrooms! Now, I say that a meal isn't a meal unless there's a nice plate of mushrooms with it. We ought to go in and have a nice plate and a bowl of stew too." Primrose thought for a moment about where to go - the kitchen or common room.

Will was being a bit odd. What was behind that cough and confused blurt of 'company'? With her usual humor returning, the twinkle in Primrose's eyes doubled. Poor Will. Cela would be in the kitchen. Cela could help Primrose decide if there was anything behind Will's apparent confusion besides worry about the condition of the stable floor. And they had gone from breakfast to supper without another word about Cela's plan for him. A nice dinner in the kitchen, under Cela's eyes and ears, was the perfect opportunity to bring it back to light.

Besides, Primrose was growing tired of her exile from the kitchen. She was curious to find out how Cela was managing without her help. And too, she missed the cook's conversation. They would go back to the kitchen.

"You're most likely right about my hurting my leg again. I'm none too steady on these crutches, and an uneven floor would probably have me falling pretty fast. The kitchen sounds about right. And it would be like going home again for me. Didn't really want to come out and rest in the first place." She laughed and leant slightly on Will's arm. "Let's go in."

08-03-2006, 02:42 AM	#4
Noinkling Wight Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Bird and Baby Posts: 109	Of Dwarves and Elves Two pairs of dark eyes turned quickly to consider the source of the loud noise. An Elf, of course! The blighters were good at sneaking up on folk. thought Bívor, turning back to look at his brother. Bávor stroked his chin as he looked the singer up and down. Both pushed back their chairs a bit and flicked their gazes toward Skirvir. Their cousin was not overly fond of Elves. Overbearing; rude, he thought them. And the name “Naugrim”, which was so often used by the Elves, grated on him each time he heard it said. Skirvir’s eyes were seemingly drawn to a small puddle of ale on the table. With his index finger, he traced a spiral, in and out and in once again. ‘So,’ he spoke at last, his brow furrowed, questioning. ‘Do I have the right of it? You Elves are in need of Dwarven help?’ Last edited by Noinkling; 08-04-2006 at 01:32 PM.

08-03-2006, 12:24 PM	#5
Envinyatar Quill Revenant Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through the Downs..... Posts: 849	● Jack Greymoss ● Cela’s gaze had darted towards Jack and back to Dick; her eyebrows raised. Jack squirmed a bit under her scrutiny. Buck up, boyo! he chided himself. You’ve got to help out if you’re to stay at the inn. And this is what needs doing at the moment. He’d followed Master Dick’s advice and sought out Tollers. They’d made an agreement that Tollers would set up the trays for him to bring out to the folk; that way allowing him to avoid the further eagle-eyed look-over of the cook. Jack had done fairly with this system, picking his way carefully between the tables as he delivered the bowls of stew and bread and mushrooms. For the most part the meal had gone passably. With only one small mishap of a dropped bowl, luckily empty, just outside the kitchen door that had simply jumped from his tray to spite him. Jack had grabbed the broom and dustpan quick as a wink and tidied the pieces up; wiping up what little spatter there was with a spare bar towel. He’d placed the pieces in the wooden dustbin behind the bar, figuring to himself that it was only one bowl and no need to be letting Mistress Cela know. He hadn’t time to keep tab on Tollers; the fellow seemed a bit preoccupied to Jack. And he wondered if he was going to hold true to their agreement and keep mum on the coin he’d found. Another call from a table of Stock folk drew his attention and he nodded at them. Cries of ‘More fish stew, my good sir!’ rang out. Partly, Jack thought, because they hadn’t yet filled that hollow leg of theirs to the brimming; and partly, too, because they found it a novelty that one of the Big Folk was serving them. Back to the kitchen he went, keeping his head down and his eyes on his work as he fetched the stew and another basket of bread himself.

08-01-2006, 08:12 PM	#1
Forest Elf Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2006 Location: You say your hurting is over.. It feels like you're out of reach... Posts: 86	“Thanks.” Gable said when they were on the ground again. Now that she thought about it, it was probably a good thing her sleeve was nailed there, or she would have fallen… Then again, she’d never of been in that situation if she’d never climbed up there in the first place, yet she couldn’t resist. She had to make herself useful, or she’d just go off wandering again. Like her mother was when she was young…and alive. Gable suddenly remembered the pony. Odd, she hadn’t thought about it all day, when usually she would be worrying her head off about stuff like that. Must be because of all the commotion, and unexpected visitors from Rivendell, Cir and Cir. She was glad to see them again, yes. But in seeing them again, it brought up old memories of times at Rivendell. Running off on a new adventure, riding all day without a care in the world, her parents always telling her not to wander off to far to no extent, and no use. She wandered no matter how much they told her. At times, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it had been her fault that they died. That she should have listened and they’d still be here. Yet, she wouldn’t be here, in the beautiful and peaceful Shire, and made the friends she has now.

08-02-2006, 06:53 PM	#2
Celuien Riveting Ribbiter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Assigned to Mordor Posts: 1,767	Once Gable's feet were safely on firm ground, Primrose let out a sigh of relief. She knew only too well the effects of a fall and would have been sorry to see another dweller at the Golden Perch harmed. Will still lingered at the other side of the ladder. Primrose hopped closer, reached into her pocket and pulled out the apple she had found in her lap earlier. A soft twinkle came into her eyes. A corner of her apron served to polish the apple again, though the bright red peel already reflected the afternoon sun almost as brightly as the waters of a still pond. "Thank you for the apple, Will," she said, and laughed gently as Will was suddenly flustered by her acknowledgement of the gift. "Don't look so surprised. There aren't many here as would take the trouble to shine up an apple for me as bright as you did." Primrose suddenly found herself blushing again as she went on, "But an apple always tastes sweeter if there's someone to talk to while you're eating it. Would you like some company?" She added quickly, "It's lonely out of the kitchen."

08-03-2006, 01:41 AM	#3
Arry Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 704	Now had it been yesterday, Will would have had no problem inviting Prim in to share an apple. But somehow, since this morning, his ordinary, dependable, routine life had gone slightly askew. He found himself quite tongue-tied and somehow the area under his collar had grown quite hot. We…we’d be alone in there! And have mercy! Wasn’t she standing there looking at him, her eyes all twinkly. Were they twinkly before and he hadn’t noticed? He couldn’t remember. Will managed somehow to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth and squeaked out, ‘Company?’ He brought his fist to his mouth and coughed, trying to regain some semblance of composure. ‘Company, yes...that would be nice,’ he managed. ‘But, you know,’ he went on, ‘the floor in the stable’s pretty uneven, and I wouldn’t want you to fall again.’ He touched her lightly on the elbow, saying, ‘May I?’ offering support. ‘Why don’t we go on into the kitchen? I didn’t get any of the stew.’ ‘And,’ he grinned at Prim, his hunger lending him confidence, ‘I’d sure like a few more of the mushrooms Cela fried.’ He paused for a moment – the thought suddenly striking him that perhaps she might have her own druthers about where she wanted to have her meal. ‘Or…we could just go into the common room. See who’s there. What do you think?’

08-03-2006, 03:25 PM	#6
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	“Food’s all ready,” Cela informed him, giving him a piercing glance for goodness knows what. “And if everything is set, I can start dishing up some plates.” Her eyes flicked briefly in the direction of the Man standing there and Dick suddenly understood completely. He smiled, as winningly as he could. “Why, Cela, that’s wonderful. I think if you think all is set and ready, then it is. Go ahead. Run on in there and start dishing things up, I’ll be in shortly to double check that everything is prepared.” Cela turned in a small huff and Dick lifted his eyebrows after her before turning back to Jack. “Run along now,” he said, nodding his head towards Tollers, busy about the tables. “If we have any further questions to discuss, we can later.” Jack went and Dick turned to go into the kitchen. He braced himself for the storm as he stood in the doorway, seeing Cela spooning steaming spoon fulls of the stew into the wooden bowls with no little impatience. “A’right,” said Dick, walking forward. “What’s eating you?”

08-03-2006, 04:55 PM	#7
Celuien Riveting Ribbiter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Assigned to Mordor Posts: 1,767	In the flurry of activity that followed Gable's near accident, Primrose hadn't noticed the lengthening shadows that marked how many hours had passed. The day was heading well into afternoon, and Primrose's appetite had grown far beyond an apple. Mushrooms and stew, however, sounded perfect. "Mushrooms! Now, I say that a meal isn't a meal unless there's a nice plate of mushrooms with it. We ought to go in and have a nice plate and a bowl of stew too." Primrose thought for a moment about where to go - the kitchen or common room. Will was being a bit odd. What was behind that cough and confused blurt of 'company'? With her usual humor returning, the twinkle in Primrose's eyes doubled. Poor Will. Cela would be in the kitchen. Cela could help Primrose decide if there was anything behind Will's apparent confusion besides worry about the condition of the stable floor. And they had gone from breakfast to supper without another word about Cela's plan for him. A nice dinner in the kitchen, under Cela's eyes and ears, was the perfect opportunity to bring it back to light. Besides, Primrose was growing tired of her exile from the kitchen. She was curious to find out how Cela was managing without her help. And too, she missed the cook's conversation. They would go back to the kitchen. "You're most likely right about my hurting my leg again. I'm none too steady on these crutches, and an uneven floor would probably have me falling pretty fast. The kitchen sounds about right. And it would be like going home again for me. Didn't really want to come out and rest in the first place." She laughed and leant slightly on Will's arm. "Let's go in."