The Eallníwe Inn

[Eldrith]

It had been years now since the fire that had devastated so many of the buildings in Meduseld. It had been years since the Aeldsell Inn had been one of the victims of that fire. At the time almost out of nowhere tEldrith, pubmistress of Rohan had.. reappeared it seemed, after a long absence. It hadn't been much when it started out: a few heavy boards to sit on, a roof of heavy, tight-woven, oiled canvas, with a few barrels. There are rumors that whatever supplies had been provided had come from the cellars of Aern Freablod.

From what was no more than a camp kitchen, something new had risen. It had started with the cellar being dug out to preserve food in summer. Then the heavy timber beams had started to rise. The fire and the subsequent aftermath had been good for her in a way. It had erased not just buildings but questions. And now.. well the pub stood. She was there, serving drinks and food along with Cnith and Getale (npc's play this lovely young man and woman yourselves, we don't want you to have to wait for your drink)


Pub Rules:

- This is a place for some day-to-day roleplay or grand adventures roleplay in Rohan. Do you need a bowl of stew and a sit down? You can do it here. Do you want to have a clandestine meeting far away from your home, you can do it here. Do you have a Rohirric character you do not get to play? You guessed it, you can do it here.
- We try to keep rules to a minimum, but all Plaza RP Rules apply, please refer to the RP Code of Conduct if unsure.
- Occasionally in the pub themed updates may be given. Try not to ignore things like a roof caving in, but mostly we will let you have fun socializing!

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

He had said his goodbyes to Tiriel, the elven maiden who he had met in the forest of Fangorn. For many years he had made many travels, all written down in the ancient form of Quenya, and stored in a series of novels, dedicated to the history of Middle Earth. Not much there was to say or share, but for a fair amount of time he had kept to the home Aegliraind, that had been established before the end of the First Age. It was the only home of the Danas, a forgotten people, hidden away from the known world. That was his home and life, content as he was. The loremaster travelled sometimes the world to find how much it had changed, and what needed to be preserved in writing. Most of the humans peoples knew how to document, but not how to keep that knowledge to eternity. So it was up to his kind to try and do make possible. Shoulderlength hair accented a timeless face. It was convenient enough in a fight. But Quennar had ever engaged himself in fight.

He had seen and travelled through ancient forests when he was still very young. And had barely a sense of world around. Today he was seasoned beyond the count. But as time passed on, the world reshaped, there were new things to learn. So Quennar had set out from Aegliraind, to pass through the south of Eriador, traversing a few rivers and stood on the brink of the southern border to visit Fangorn once more. On horseback he rode into the town of Meduseld, where he had been before in the past, but when he had forgotten. It was possibly a couple of decades ago. He arrived at an inn and left his horse outside by a trough so his companion could have a fresh drink. The old inn, Aeldsell Inn he couldn’t find. So what happened to it? The city looked different also. This was the Ealníwe Inn. It could be old, could be new. The Elda had no idea what to face inside. He went through the door and looked around.

[Eldrith]

The inn was new. New enough that the timber had not yet fully changed it's color. Less than a decade, maybe even less than half that. Fire had destroyed what was old, and it had destroyed much more beyond this inn as well. Yet inside, it had just aged enough for things to become comfortable again. Benches that were smooth, perhaps not with age but polished well. One had been added after another. They had rebuilt. And they had rebuilt on old bones, old habits so to speak.

One could say you were in luck, as the pubmistress herself was in. Whatever travels had taken her away in the past, these years it seemed she stayed closer to home. She didn't live at the inn, though there were two rooms kept open for travelers. It was a far cry from the nearly ten that had been there once, but they'd never yet had to send anyone away.

Glancing up from a cup she was cleaning, the smile appeared as she heard the door opened, then deepened as she saw a stranger.*

"Good evening to you. And may hale be your health and blessed your travels."

A common courtesy offered, but the expression with which it was offered was fully welcoming, even motherly despite the fact that you were likely of a similar age as her. But there was a simple hospitality and care in that smile as she glanced to the kitchens, then back to you. She could see the dust of travel, even the way your clothing had adjusted to a long ride. Not local. She would have known you if you were local.*

[Eamila Bolger]

At the back of the Inn a door opened, and a chubby, small woman in her late 40s stumbled in with a willow basket under her arm. Long leeks and carrots were sticking out of the basket and a reluctant beetroot rolled out of it over the ground from among the others.
‘Of course you do’, she mumbled. Carefully she put the basket down, bent down with some effort and picked up the beetroot again. 'Remember, now stay where you belong.' Then she rubbed her hands clean of the earth as best she could, straightened her apron and came inside.
Only now you could really see how small she was. Her bare, hairy feet betrayed her origins.

'A hobbit? In Rohan?'
'Well, those are the advantages of kinship with the Brandybucks', was mostly her answer to this question. How did she end up here in the Inn? That usually resulted in a faint smile and a look into the distance.
"Eldrith and I have been going back for years," she sometimes said, after a long persistence. Those who had enough time could hear a whole story about a war with Therion and the Free Armies of the Middle Earth. But by that time, Eamila Bolger was often already lost in thought, or had another job to do. Rarely did anyone get more out of her.

Once she arrived at the bar, she stepped on a small stool and put the basket down. Shaking her head, she sighed: 'There are moles in the grass, did you see that Eldrith? And the pigeons have already eaten from the young lettuce plants. I still have to find a solution to that. Oh excuse me! I see that we have a guest.'
She jumped off the stool and made a bow, in which the gray strands of hair in her light brown curls suddenly have clearly visible.
'Eamila Bolger, at your service. Welcome here to the Inn.'

[Eldrith]

She was always, always grateful for the fact that Eamila now lived with her. And she was always, always grateful for the fact that, as gregarious as she was, she usually got distracted before she got to certain parts of the story. There had been many, many people that marched against Therion, and it was unlikely that anyone would make certain.. connections between Eldrith and other things just based on that story. Yet the pubmistress couldn't help but wince slightly whenever it was told none the less. RIght now though, she wasn't wincing. She was smiling, stepping aside to give you easy access to the counter and the stool that now stood there as a matter of fact, ready for when you arrived with deliveries.

There was a small smile on her lips by the time you had retrieved the wayward beetroot. It wasn't exactly uncommon to hear you talk to vegetables. Or goats. Or pieces of furniture that surely must have jumped in your way in a very rude fashion, though you remained gracious even if the table seemed to insist on bumping you. She really needed to adjust the furniture at the estate.

"We may need to go mole hunting..." Was the conclusion. "And I am certain Cnith has a recipe for pigeon pie."

Cnith had a recipe for nearly everything, even for some things that Eldrith didn't want to know how or why there even was a recipe for them. But she couldn't deny that it had come in handy a time or two. She smiled as you greeted their guest and for the hundredth time gave silent thanks for your presence in her life and especially here. She could not maintain the estate alone. And after the disappearance of the matriarch who had.. saved her life in so many ways.. Eldrith felt it her duty to keep it up. And you.. everything always bloomed around you, be it vegetables or people, things grew when you fed them, in more ways than one.*

I am convinced I felt the first chill in the air. Autumns' about to be here soon.

@Eamila Bolger
@Aikári Salmarinian

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

Was it evening? The loremaster looked back over his shoulder to the outside and noticed indeed the sun was heading in the western direction. He hadn’t watched at all, having visited the wonders of the enchanted forest further on the road. Stood the time still in the forest of Fangorn? It was a puzzling fact. Anyway he had enjoyed to talk of the oldest days with the Ents, as the Eldar were not the only immortal species in Middle Earth. Of neither peoples were many left, but hotspots here and there his their souls in good numbers to survive. Not everything was doom or gloom as his former branch of people could preach about. He saw a woman (Eldrith) by the table and spoke in the common language: “Hi, good evening too. One can’t complain about the weather. It has been gorgeous so far, windy, but very good.” The weather was always good to start a conversation with.

But one (Eamila) of the fabled Hobbits were around and a female one at that. There lived a lot of them over the mountains in the east from his own home, safely tucked away in what a secluded valley was on the westside of the southern Ered Luin. A bow was offered and Quennar gave a bow back. “Ah Eamila, thank you,” said Quennar, despite a his tall shape a bit embarrassed. Their small stature never mattered in their mature ages. One could call them children, but in his experience that was the most insulting thing one could say about them, even they came from over the Hithaeglir in the east. “Can I go sit anywhere I like? Or are there spots I would not be able to sit?” It was a fair questions, for Hobbits and Dwarves there were other tables and chairs than for humans and elves.

[Rillewen]

A traveler from Gondor

The door had only been closed for a moment before it opened again, this time to admit a travel-worn young man in his mid-twenties. He was dressed in good quality clothes, nothing overly fancy but suitable for travel. But he looked as if he may have come upon some sort of mishap along his journey. It had clearly been a few weeks since he'd had a shave, too.

Eyes the color of the sea briefly scanned the room, taking note of each occupant, lingering longest on the hobbit before moving on to the next person, trying to decide which of these people seemed to be the one in charge. He offered a small, but polite smile and nod to the lady who appeared to be running the establishment. He walked with only a slight limp as he went to find a seat, grateful to lower himself into it and rest his feet after having been forced to walk such a long distance, after losing his horse in the mountains.

[Eldrith]

The wind is starting to pick up, soon it will cut through cloth and feel as if it will cut through bone once you try to get across the planes... *She said with a nod to the loremaster, though she did not know who he was. The Aeldsell Inn had not asked too many question. The Eallníwe Inn didn't ask them either.*

But for now, we are enjoying the milder weather indeed. And the travelers it brings. Please..

*She gestured around to the different tables. You would indeed be free to take any of them, and most would be sized for the regular folk indeed. Simple good benches, around tables that had the wood smoothed till it gleamed. A few larger and more comfortable seats with a back and sides, and pillows for older bones. But there was indeed two tables to the side that were significantly lower and where the benches were lower too. They could be used for the children that sometimes came in with their parents, especially when they traveled, but on occasion they were used by those of shorter height.*

Can I get you something? Food or a drink?

*At that moment the door opened again and she saw a new face entering as well.*

Goodeve to you!

*She called out with that same good-natured hospitality. It was early evening still but the colors outside seemed to start changing. She saw the eyes linger on Eamila and unconsciously, she took a step closer though her hands still held the cloth she'd picked up. She noticed the limp and offered a sympathetic grimace as you found a seat. You looked tired, as if the journey you had made hadn't gone too well, or maybe you'd simply made haste.*
You made it in before night fall.. *

She added with a reassuring tone, that would let you know there were rooms available if you needed them.*

@Rillewen
@Aikári Salmarinian

[Rillewen]

A traveler from Gondor

Ah, they spoke in a language that he could understand, here. Good. He had not been sure whether they would, until he heard them speaking. "Goodeve to you, ma'am." He responded politely, with a small smile. He could not help but notice the way she had stepped closer to the short woman, almost protectively. As if it were a child, and not a woman of older years. Older than himself, perhaps even twice his age. Which had made him quite curious. Could this be one of the halfling folk that had earned such renown in his own land? Who had accomplished such deeds that folk sung their praises, and who had apparently even become close friends with Gondor's new king?

He was intrigued, but he put his curiosity aside for the moment and instead responded to the woman who had greeted him. "Fortunately, yes." He agreed with her comment about him making it before nightfall. "Are you the proprietor of this establishment, ma'am?" He inquired, for it seemed the most likely. "I am seeking lodging for the night, if it can be managed. As well as a meal."

Almost as if on cue, a server approached to take his order, and he was glad that this person also spoke in the common speech. He requested a hot meal and some wine, and soon the server returned to the kitchen to get it. The young man removed his cloak, as he no longer needed its warmth while inside the cozy little inn. "Forgive my curiosity," He spoke up then, tilting his head with intrigue as he turned his attention now to the short woman. "Would you happen to be one of the halfling folk, of which I have heard so many tales?" He inquired. He had never met one of those folk, but he'd certainly heard tales. Very interesting tales.

[Eamila Bolger]

There was something about the first guest that impressed Eamila. The simple talk about the weather concealed the wisdom she sensed. How old would he be? She couldn't say.
It almost felt too common to continue a conversation about the weather as if she were talking to her neighbor about how wonderfully quickly the laundry dried in the wind despite the approaching autumn.
'We certainly can't complain', she finally decided. 'But forgive me, I just came out of the vegetable garden. I'll freshen up properly first.'

With clean hands and a new apron, she came back to the room, just in time to see a new guest come in. The contrast with the Loremaster could not be greater. This man was still young, young enough to be her son. He looked like he had had a hard journey.

"Welcome, traveler,’ Eamila said. ‘You look tired, if you’ll forgive me for saying. Would you like to sit a little closer to the fire? Then I’ll add some extra wood. Please, if you give me that cloak, I'll brush the dirt off it for you later tonight."
She was happy with the extra stew she had prepared this morning together with Getale. This man looked like he could use a good meal. Eldrith would probably tell him that there was enough room for an overnight stay.

While Cnith was on his way to get the requested wine and food, the traveler curiously asked her about her origins. Eamila smiled and stopped by his chair.

"You saw that right, sir. My name is Eamila Bolger, and I am indeed a hobbit from the Shire. You must have heard of the good relationship between Meriadoc Brandybuck and King Éomer. On one of his trips here I came with my uncle Merry. And I stayed, as you can see. The love for everything that grows in the earth, for serving others, preparing meals and being together with friends, I have found all that here just like at home. And the hills and mountains of Rohan... I couldn't do without them anymore.'
She was curious about his own origin, but decided to wait with her questions until he had been served.

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

More people were popping in, but they had no connection to Quennar, nor was there any chance they could have met. The woman (Eldrith) replied to him and gestured at the available tables. There were indeed a few smaller ones too, for other folk of a difference size as Eamila. A thing you wouldn’t find the heydays, but today? When he was young, there were no hobbits at all, or had ever anyone heard of them. But so it was for the dwarves and humans also. Just a world full of elves, tree guides and orcs. He nodded when he had settled down by a window the sun shone inside. “My name is Quennar and I am just a traveller. Sure I would like something to drink. What do you have in the house? That is not ale, beer or wine?” he asked. He looked around. “Is this a different building? For it is not what it looks like when I passed through the last time?”

Eamila excused herself to freshen herself up from the gardens, something Quennar was back home used to between daily tasks. Eagliraind was the home in the mountains, but an enclosed valley allowed the Nandorim lived peacefully for ages, after having fled the horrors of Beleriand. Quennar arranged the dark cloak around him better, so all else was hidden underneath. This was an elven preference on the road, to travel mostly unnoticed. The weather was good, which meant an excellent view upon the beloved stars at night. Quennar could lay on his back looking up for hours and watch the changing sky how it turned around. The world was a globe these days. The light from the outside and the window he opened to let the wind inside, were ingredients to write something down. The meeting with Browntrunk had been great as they had talked off times, no annals survived or the lucky few bore a memory off.

[Eldrith]

Cnith had appeared and offered the new arrival, who seemed to be glad to hace a chance to sit, food and drink and would soon reappear with what was asked, casting Eldrith a glance as he saw Eamilia in the main, muttering something about wanting a word with her about next year's spring harvest before she left for the night to which Eldrith nodded. Cnith did NOT have a green thumb, but whatever came out of the ground, he could transform into something remarkable, just as he could work with any meat that came under his cleaver. And he liked working with the hobbit to transform the menu bit by bit, from the simple fair that had been made available under the canvas poles to an actual full new set of meals.

Eamila's presence was a gift. A balm. Perhaps something she did not deserve, but they had found one another again right.. when Eldrith had been facing a hard time. And a possible investigation, but who was counting. She'd withdrawn to Aern Freablod for a while and offered her apologies in the cavalry at the time. Pressing matters. Family business. The festival had brought things a bit too close to the surface.

"We do have a few rooms. And they are gladly available." Eldrith offered easily to the traveler, and to herself she thought it would be wise of him to take lodgings at least until that leg was healed from whatever had caused the limp earlier. She hesitated a moment and then added carefully. "I could also send for a Haelend if you need one...." There was a glance at Ea who HAD in the past tended to wounds, she knew that. And she might have learned a few things herself but mostly.. practical things. She wasn't sure if you were suffering an old injury, something you were born with or a more recent incident.

She half turned to the earlier arrived guest. He was quiet, settled by the window in the late afternoon sun.
"We have fresh water from the well, and I can add some elderberry syrup or strawberry syrup to it. There's goats milk, and pressed cider, as well as a good meade of course. "For a moment she held her breath as you mentioned the building looking different. "The Aeldsell Inn burned down a few years ago." Eldrith said quietly. "We lost quite a few of the older buildings..."

@Eamila Bolger
@Aikári Salmarinian
@Rillewen

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith @Eamila Bolger

A traveler from Gondor

Was it really so obvious that he was that weary from his travels? A faint smile played on his lips when he was invited to sit nearer to the fire, but he shook his head. "I'm fine here, actually." He assured the... hobbit. Strange word.

When the shortest member of the inn's staff offered to take his cloak and brush it off, the young man gave a small nod of thanks as he unclasped the garment. After removing it from around his shoulders, he held it out to her. His cloak was well made, and not a cheap one, but also not of the finest quality. "I didn't realize the hospitality in Rohan's inns was so extensive." He commented with a note of impressed-ness in his voice. Anyone who had ever heard a Gondorian accent before would surely recognize his accent as such.

While he waited on the server to bring his meal, the traveler turned in his seat to face the room, his back resting against the edge of the table. The hobbit sure had a lot to say, he noticed. Her assumption was wrong, however. He shook his head. "Actually, I have heard more of the friendship between Gondor's king, and the other one," He explained. "As well as the two who.. well." He offered a faint smile. "I suppose everyone's heard of them." 'Them' would be the two most famous halflings ever to come out of the Shire, the two who had completed the Great Quest, who had brought about the downfall of Sauron.

He directed his attention toward the proprietor then and nodded. "A room would be excellent." He declared, but then he paused when she offered to get... what? "Haelend?" He questioned, tilting his head curiously. "I am not familiar with that word." The server brought out his meal then, so he turned back around to face the table again. It looked and smelled far better than he had expected, so he was glad for that.

[Eldrith]

Eldrith offered a warm smile as she saw @Eamila Bolger bustle around. It was what had brought the two of them together over two decades. The people who had risen up to fight against Thereon were capable. Many were fighters, others were.. ordinary people who had decided to go on the journey to help. To see what they could do, to help in a fight that might determine the fate of free people everywhere.
There were weaponsmiths, and great lords and ladies. And within that illustrious company they were two people who simply tried to see to the comfort of others. And they had found one another, a friendship that had lasted decades throughout. Eamila had come to fight. She was brave. Braver than Eldrith had been. She didnt' touch a sword. That was known. It was known long ago in Gondor. And it had been known for many decades in Rohan. Untill... No. That incident was forgotten, she reminded herself. It was years ago. Nothing had come from it. No one remembered.

With the buffer of the Shire's distance Eamila had simple presumed certain things when Eldrith disappeared and later reappeared in Rohan. Only Bereth had known the truth, Bereth who had taken care of her, who had given her a home, and never asked anything in return. The matriarch of the Freablod family had enough clout and enough compassion that Eldrith's journey had simply.. continued here.


Realizing she was woolgathering, she shook her head and was tempted to pull a cup of water for herself, something to chase the cobwebs away. Instead she gave a nod at the stranger. The language was.. different here, and the fact that she could still bridge it made her smile.

"A Haelend is a healer. It would be no trouble at all."

She assured you. She still knew how to read people. She had seen the contrast between those clothing of a fine, quality and the walk that had gone beyond 'a good day's march' into exhaustion. Even armies rarely held such pace because the troops would be exhausted by the time they came to the fight. And there was that slight limp. Could be no more than a blister, but she'd seen feet being lost when such were not tended to and infection set in.

[Eamila Bolger]

‘Yes, everyone has heard of them’, Eamila said. ‘And indeed there is great friendschip between Peregrin Took and King Aragorn.’ With a smile she took the cloak out of the traveler's hands. 'I'd be glad to brush and clean it for ye', she said. 'Wouldn't it be a shame if such a fine piece of garment gets stained? And it will do the fabric good.' He seemed surprised at the gesture. Ea couldn't help but chuckle as she walked away.
'I can assure you that it's in our own interest too.'
She winked at Eldrith, knowing that her friend probably had the same thought. It was a lot easier to clean a cloak before a guest took it to their room, then to have to clean a room where a guest had taken off a dirty cloak and put it on the bed or in the closet.

This was just one of the many moments of understanding between the two ladies. Young ladies, Eamila would tend to say. But they were not that young anymore. Older, yes. Wiser? Mostly. Ready for a new adventure? Well, if you considered managing an Inn, then yes.
But Eamila was happy that this new adventure was about the things she loved most. Cooking, working in the garden, but most of all: serving others. It was a joy to be able to do this side by side with a friend.

The hobbit woman briefly retreated to the cloakroom where she worked the cloak with a soft brush until the fabric was shiny again. Just a few minutes later, she was back at the Inn. It looked like Cnith had just brought a goblet of wine and a plate of pot roast, bread, and pickled vegetables.
‘I hope you enjoy your meal’, Ea said, and she laid the cloak on the empty chair next to him. ‘If there is anything else you need, just let me know.’
She doubted one second, but then added: 'Forgive me my curiosity... but it feels impolite not to address you correctly. Could it be I didn't hear your name earlier on?'
@Eldrith @Rillewen

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith @Eamila Bolger

A traveler from Gondor

Ah, she meant a healer. He paused, then offered a little smile and shake of his head. "No, thank you. It's nothing to worry about, really. I could use a new horse, however," He added with a little smile. "Mine ran off, back in the mountains, and I've had to walk quite a distance to get here. My feet didn't appreciate it." He explained. "I may have acquired some blisters, and foot-soreness, but no need to call for a healer for that."

He watched the hobbit woman take off with his cloak, after offering to clean it. Without being asked or told to. He was not used to that. The garment was indeed quite dusty, and it would a good deal of brushing before it was clean again, but at least it was only dust, so it could be brushed off, rather than anything worse that would require actual washing.

It wasn't long before she had brought his cloak back, right as the young man had turned his attention toward the food that had arrived. He was definitely very hungry, too, since his supplies had all been in his saddlebags, which he had lost along with the horse. Since he had already begun eating, a brief nod served as a reply when she expressed her hopes that he would enjoy the meal. Pot roast was certainly better fare than he had expected to find in a place such as this, and it did smell quite good. He had a small amount of trouble managing his silverware, but he was able to hide that fairly well.

He had just taken a bite of his meal when the hobbit paused and asked him his name. Slightly caught off guard to be asked so directly, the traveler took a few moments to finish chewing what he had just put in his mouth. After swallowing, he gave a little smile. "Actually, I haven't said it." He answered politely. "But since you ask, I am Luthor." Carefully lifting his glass, he took a sip of wine before continuing. "The food is excellent, by the way. And for the moment, I have no need of anything. I will let you know if that changes, however."

[Eldrith]

She grinned, deeply, at Eamila. They knew from experience if that cloak ended up on the bed with you, the mud would cake into the sheets and while they were washed after every traveler, there was a difference between merely having to wash it in the tub with soap, or having to scrub and scrape and then there was the mature of manure or whatever else could be in there. And then there wasn't even the mention of the mud all over the room and in crevices. No, they weren't going into details. But they both knew. And they both had done the task when needed. This was the better one of her adventures perhaps, finding as she ages that there was friend to have seen her through it all. And it was a good life. She was regaining the trust of the community. Most of them by now presumed her disappearance had been an ill timed journey that had gone awry or a family emergency or something. History had a tendency to burry the unimportant details and she was good at covering them with a good amount of ale and hospitality.

"Eamila.. have YOU eaten?" It shouldn't be something one even had to ask of a hobbit but considering the moles in the garden, your annoyance might make you forget. You sometimes tended to forget when you were lost in caring for others, though they tended to make up for it with a late night feast of their own. "You know Cnith gets upset if you don't try everything and assure him he's making everything taste even better"
Cnith was by far less temperamental than Getale, but he was sensitive about his cooking still.

Eldrith shifted conversation easily from her friend to the man and slowly nodded. "Well for horses you are at the very least in the right spot." That was an understatement. Even Aern Freablod where they didn't have the time to keep the entire stables that had once been part of the estate but even they kept at least two ponies and two good mares. "At the very least though you will need a foot bath. I will have one brought to your room. Unless you wish for a tub. *They could bring in the washing tub, but if you wanted it, but they would need to fill buckets and heat enough water to fill it so that would be wiser to decide on now.*

"Ea..." That last was a whisper as the hobbit asked for your name. It was such a normal, innocent question and it suited her, yet Eldrith who had held secrets for most of her life rarely asked for a name if one didn't volunteer it.* Welcome to the Eallníwe Inn Luthor..

@Eamila Bolger @Rillewen

[Eamila Bolger]

The moment Eamila asked the traveler from Gondor about his name, the hobbit woman realised she had crossed a line, even when it was well meant. Eldrith’s whispering confirmed what she was starting to realize.
Oh dear. A bright redness spread over her cheeks, all the way down to her neck.
‘I am so sorry’, she said to Luthor. ‘It’s an old Shire habit of mine, we hobbits simply cannot stop talking about names, and family relations, heritage… but it surely is none of my business what names our guests have. Please accept my deepest apologies, Master Luthor. And I am glad to hear you like the food, I will bring your compliments to our cook.’

She turned on her heels and held her hands against her warm face.
‘I guess I am still learning some things’, she said apologetic to Eldrith. ‘And you are right, I haven’t had time toe at myself yet. Seeing as our guests are not in need of anything right now, I’ll retreat tot the kitchen and do Cnith the honour of tasting all he has made this night. And I bet Gtale will have some water for me as well.’

Still a bit shaken she walked into the kitchen, where Cnith was doing a great job preparing some kind of pie for dessert. Gtale stood near the sink, washing plates and pots.
‘It smells fabulous in here Cnith’, she said. ‘Do you think you could spare a small plate for a hungry hobbit?’ She didn’t wait for the answer, and climbed on the high stool that stood next tot he table. ‘I’d be happy to help out preparing whatever you are still making, perhaps you have some cutting or slicing to do?’

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith @Eamila Bolger

Luthor
A traveler from Gondor

He found it curious that the one lady scolded the hobbit for asking his name, and the latter then apologized. "Quite alright," He assured them with an easy smile. "If I did not wish to tell you, I would not have answered." He pointed out. Not that Luthor was even his real name, but they wouldn't have any idea of that. One might say it was a shortening of the name he had been given later in life, by one who knew him better than the parents he'd been born to. But that didn't matter.

As for horses, of course he was in the right spot. It was Rohan. Everyone had horses here, right? They were famous for having horses everywhere. "If you could direct me toward somewhere I might acquire a fresh horse, in the morning, I would be much obliged." He mentioned. "And yes, a foot bath is perfect." He would definitely be soaking his sore feet before going anywhere.

He watched as the hobbit set off into the other room to get herself some food, and for a few minutes he focused on finishing his plate, which took him longer than he liked, due to the injuries hiding beneath his sleeves. At last, once he had finished his meal, he pushed the plate away and drained his wine before he turned back to the lady innkeeper, as something seemed to occur to him. "Actually, perhaps you could assist me in another way, ma'am." He mentioned, tilting his head thoughtfully as he considered how to pose his inquiry.

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

The woman Eldrith offered some syrups and water mixed. That ought to be good, not? He nodded after a moment. “The elderberry is good enough for me. He had no interest in milk or cider now. Something to eat as well?” he asked smiling. You couldn’t expect specialities in these kind of places. Not the ones of the his people. But well he was in foreign lands. The old building had been devastated in a fire and more had been lost. How could that have happened? The light of a thunderstorm perhaps? Bit sad that had gone lost, but new buildings were again strong and sturdy. They had to be build like that on the top of a super windy hill. “Tragic to hear about. I hadn’t expected that to happen. But this looks nice too. The smell of fresh wood is very clear now.” Further there were others inside and conversations were started up, Quennar had no access to. “Often a quite populated place?”

It had to be an inn, where chambers for the night were available. One of the other customers was asking for it. They needed a bed to sleep. Quennar could so easily without it. Rest already came in taking life in the quietest way possible, to walk slowly as the Ents did. When the waitress was gone, he got a bundle out one of the saddlebag besides him, a quill and ink. Everything had always been written in Quenya and the script alike. He wrote his latest findings of Fangorn down, over a several pages. And he dated it on day, month, year and era. He had lived through four of them. A fifth was coming soon, or had begun already? He didn’t know exactly. Chronicling the history was important and elves were the best at that. Mortal kinds tended to lost parts of it now and then.

[Eldrith]

She hadn't meant to scold. It was just... people could be sensitive about their names. She had been. The only reason she still went by the name is that Bereth had known her as Eldrith and well she had been too ill to actually correct her or remind her not call her by it. The Shire was a different place. Hobbits knew one another or they knew one another's families, or OF one another's families. A travel though who would have clearly gone through some distress... Well one would hope for him his purse had not ran away with the lost horse. She didn't worry too much about offering a room for the night. They could talk more in the morning and if necessary she'd let him work for his stay until he sorted things out. Still.. considering the fine quality clothing, she was not too worried about getting her coin.

She glanced after Ea and for a moment went back in the kitchen in that easy pattern of movement that showed she knew the rhtyhm and the dance of this place. The building might have been new, the patterns weren't.

"Ea..." Her voice was soft "You weren't out of line. Most people aren't sensitive about their names. And the man himself said he wouldn't have answered if he didn't want to. We'll set him up with a footbath at the very least for tonight as well as the pitcher and the bowl." She glanced to Cnith as he was making sure you were being fed. "Caldreda turnips? Send out an extra bowl, we have a quiet one." She was known to make people talk, not interrogate them of course. She simply surrounded them with hospitality until they were comfortable enough to say a bit more.

Returning the main room, she nodded to the older guest who was taken out quill and ink and a bound sheave of papers, "It was a tragedy indeed that the so many of the buildings burned down. I am not certain if the cause was ever found. To be honest I was too occupied with rebuilding... but I am certain the Marshalls made certain it must have been an accident." Else there would have been severe consequences. They had managed to keep all lives, but there had been injuries and so much lost. "We do good business. Locals. Those passing through. The true attraction is Cnith's cooking.. " She added, and at that point, with perfect timing, Cnith came through, with a bowl of his famed Caldreda turnips. She gestured him to put it on the table near you but far away from where you were writing. "Careful, those will be hot, but they are a specialty."

The movement from one back to the other customer was fluid, and she nodded to the request for a horse. "I will give you directions in the morning. Or see if someone can come here if you have trouble walking. Those types of injuries sometimes hurt more once you have your boots off." And sometimes you couldn't get the boots back ON, she knew that as well. She'd make sure you had water for the foot bath, and salt to at least cleanse the wounds.

"What else may I help you with?" She noticed the pause though, the slight tilt of your head. You weren't about to ask for some more greens to go with the roast.

@Aikári Salmarinian
@Eamila Bolger @Rillewen

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith @Eamila Bolger

Luthor
A traveler from Gondor

Already, stopping at this inn was proving to have been a good choice. He would be able to soak his feet, and by morning, he should have a fresh horse. And perhaps, he could get aid in his quest from the locals here. He repositioned so he could more comfortably face the woman.

"You may have noticed that I come from Gondor," He began. "And indeed, I have come a long way, across the mountains and through all sorts of perils, because I am seeking someone," He explained. "A young lady, not much taller than your hobbit friend, in fact. Which is why I had to do a double-take at first, while my eyes were still adjusting from the sunlight." He explained.

"But this girl is.. clearly younger than your friend." He added, smiling a little. The hobbit may have a child's stature, but she was definitely not a child. He continued. "She is my wife's little sister, actually, so I'm sure you can see why it's so important that I find her." He added with a half-smile. "My wife is quite worried, distraught in fact. She's convinced that her sister is in serious danger." He sighed. "So, here I am. Based on the last evidence of a trail that I found, I believe she was heading toward Rohan, but then I lost my horse, and I've been delayed, so I've lost the trail. I'm no ranger, so finding trails is not a skill I have much practice at. So, I simply headed for the nearest city in hopes she might have come here." He sighed. "I don't suppose you've seen anyone like that?" He asked hopefully.

[Pele Alarion]

Hadassa
Looking for some food and company

The young woman had her black hair tamed into a single neat (mostly) braid on her back, and luckily had had enough presence of mind to change into a set of simple brown leggings and a green long-sleeved shirt under a leather vest instead of going out in her work clothes. Not that it would be too offensive to smell of horse, right? For she had done a double shift on stable duties for a minor infraction of cavalry discipline. Yet... her boots might give away her recent activities since she had failed to brush off all of the goodness from the stables that tended to cling to them.

Here she was though, looking at a place she had not really noticed before - not that she visited any pubs or inns often. The gnawing feeling in her stomach told her it was a good idea to enter and see if she could find something edible in exchange for the few coins she had in her pocket. Perhaps even dare to hope for a friendly face and not be turned out right away for she looked so much like a Dunlending and could not help it at all.

With a deep sigh and a hopeful look in her brown eyes she opened the door to let herself into the inn and then stood a while to look around and get her bearings. There seemed to be quite a few people in here at any rate, and she briefly looked at each with a silent nod of greeting - if they even noticed - as she took a few steps further into the establishment.

[Eldrith]

It wasn't fair, really. While she may have not been the most trusting soul around, in general she didn't suspect her customers of mischief or worse. And a young lady that was missing, it was a nightmare. She didn't have any children, considering her age, it was unlikely that she ever would but she cared about them. IF you had been Rohirrim, or a Hobbit, or even an elf or a dwarf, she wouldn't have been suspicious for a moment. But she was, probably unfairly, biased against Gondorians looking for people. Still.. in general it was none of her business and she could at least answer the question honestly, with no worry she would betray someone who didn't WANT to be found.

"I have not seen a young lady of Eamila's size coming through my doors. At least none that seemed Gondorian or ... well a stranger that I have noticed, of that stature. And I would likely have noticed, wondering if they were Eamila's friends. I could ask in the kitchens though. And I can ask Ea. She knows everyone and everything. She is currently outside though, drawing water for the footbath so it can be warmed for you." It was said with clear fondness for the Hobbit, as well as a certain amount of compassion. There was no REASON for her to think this was anything else than your wife's sister, and you were traveling in haste and worry. "I can ask around though.. plenty of folk that pass through the inn. How does she look?"

"Well, well, well.. look what the cat dragged in." That was not aimed at Luthor, but at Hadassa as she came in, and then she noticed the scent. You LOOKED clean enough, until she came to your boots.. "Oh, for the speed of Bema.. use the boot scraper at the door." It was followed though with the brightest, warmest smile. This was Rohan and it was hardly the first time that someone tracked the stables in with them. It was why they had the boot scraper after all. But she was trying to avoid Getale coming out and scolding you, or chasing after the 'dirt' with a broom and a meaningful glare. "Come and sit, I haven't seen you around for ages. Are they keeping you that busy? Erkenbrand being a taskmaster? Let's get you something to eat." Old instincts died hard, and she'd been a ranger cook before she'd become the cavalry quartermaster.


OOC:Posted with permission of Eamila who will be away for a day or two.)

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

[Pele Alarion]

Hadassa
Looking for some food and company

The sight of Eldrith and the extended welcome warmed Hadassa's heart and melted any doubt in terms of the decision to enter as if it was a patch of snow in spring sunshine; and that bit of reminder regarding the boots brought a small grin to the maiden's face.

"Jus' a moment..." she retraced the few steps she had already made within the inn to step outside and make sure to get the worst of it off her boots, and then stomping around a bit for good measure. Eventually she came back inside and headed for the table, ready for that promised food and a bit of socialising.

"Did as ordered, Eldrith, ma'am!" she reported and slipped into the seat, before remembering her manners towards others whom she did not know and who thus probably did not know her either. "Hello. My name's Hadassa."

She then beamed a hearty smile towards Eldrith yet again, "Food would be awesome; what's on offer today? Cleaning them stables is a hungry work, even if I still think the reason for extra duties does not really justify it. And yes... all the training and such. But mostly cleaning duties of various sorts."

[Rillewen]

@Eldrith @Eamila Bolger

Luthor
A traveler from Gondor

He paused to consider the best description of his sister-in-law. "She is.. well, she may not look like a girl," He frowned. "She doesn't tend to... go for feminine fashion." He leaned his back against the edge of the table, thinking. "I believe she's changed her hair since we last saw her, so I can't tell you what color it may be, nor what length. But she has green eyes, and is.. well, about so tall, I reckon," He held up his hand to where he believed she came to on him, which would put her being below five feet tall. "Not quite as short as your hobbit friend, but shorter than an adult would be. Shorter than you are." He explained. "She has a lot of freckles." He added, unsure how else to describe her without knowing what measures she may have taken to disguise herself. "And a rebellious attitude."

He couldn't think of much more to add about her, but he nodded to hear that she would ask the hobbit. "Thank you. I would appreciate that." He said, as another young lady walked in. She did not bring in the nicest smell with her, and he couldn't help but wrinkle his nose a bit as he glanced her way. But it only took a quick glance to convince him she was not the one he sought. She seemed quite friendly, however, and promptly went outside to clean her boots before returning with a cheerful greeting to everyone in the room. After relaxing his features, Luthor gave her a silent nod in greeting, remaining quiet while the innkeeper greeted her.

Luthor waited until the innkeeper had finished with the other customer and could return to him. Meanwhile, he had a moment to think about how much he ought to tell her about the situation, and by the time she had returned to him, he had decided to offer a bit more even though it might cause some alarm. He kept his voice low enough not to be too easily overheard by others in the room as he offered the lady some further information.

"Actually, there is a little more that I haven't mentioned yet, ma'am." He said quietly. "As it happens, my sister-in-law's disappearance coincided with the same time as a very dangerous criminal escaped from the guards, back in Minas Tirith," He explained with a frown of concern. "I tried to tell my wife that her sister wouldn't have come across the escapee, so she wouldn't worry, but... well, I don't actually know whether she has run away of her own accord, or.. otherwise." He explained quietly. "Or, if she did run away, she may have unwittingly taken up with that criminal, and may now be regretting it." He sighed, shaking his head slightly as if deeply troubled by this uncertainty. "I only hope I can find her before she comes to any harm." He muttered with a frown.

[Eldrith]

Was there a grin as Hadassa returned to get at least the underside of her boots clean? Yes, yes, there was, as well as a chuckle when she came back in. Ordered, ha. Well fine, it might have been. Or at least it could have been if Hadassa hadn't gone with her.. suggestion, yes that's right. It was a suggestion. "We have Caldreda turnips, the first of the season; and then there's pot roast, there's bread, porridge or stew and Cnith has a dish with leeks, egg and bacon over yesterday's bread that he's roasting and then we have cheese or honey on bread."
Porridge and stew were every day parts of the menu, as well as fresh bread and whatever they had on it, which usually meant cheese, honey, and smoked meats. The other two dishes were what Cnith felt like and the larder could support, which was broader in spring and summer than it was throughout the winter.*
"So who did you tick off to get saddled with extra duties? Erkenbrand? There was a soft chuckle. The drillmaster could be strict, but there were.. others. And what was the offense, pray tell?"

She listened to the Gondorian traveler, moving between one and the other with practiced ease and holding several conversations at once. Besides, Hadassa might help you as well. Potentially. "Not dressed like a young woman? I presume you mean more than just traveling attire?" Freckles, rebellious adult, short, and probably disguised as a young boy. She was getting quite an interesting picture. So far it seemed as if the young woman had decided to travel and that well.. she guess she understood that parents or older sisters could be afraid but she wasn't sure if she needed to get involved. Perhaps you understood that reluctance when you added the next. "A dangerous criminal escaped from Minas Tirith? Tell me about the criminal? Would they be inclined to.. harass a young woman? Or take her out of the city?"
Dangerous. She hesitated just a moment, then called out out gently.

"Hadassa? This man here's looking for his sister in law. A young lass, possibly looking like a boy, possibly in the company of someone dangerous. Did you happen to see anything that worried you?"

Depending on whether Hadassa had, or hadn't she'd decide if she needed to stall any further investigation until she'd spoken to the girl. OR the dangerous criminal. After all well.. long ago some might have applied that last to her.

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

[Rillewen]

Xyler
Apprentice healer

He'd heard about this place, but had never yet come here. The young healer usually cooked his own meals, or else got something from the cooks at the healer's tent. But, today, his own supplies were running a bit low, and he felt like something different. As an added incentive, he saw Hadassa heading for this place, while he was still down the street a fair distance. Though he hadn't called out to get her attention, he had hastened his steps to try and catch up with her. He was nearly there when she finished wiping her boots, and so, he wasn't too far behind her entering the inn.

"Hi." He greeted Hadassa with a smile, coming in just behind her. He fell silent though when he heard the lady addressing his friend. And he couldn't help hearing the question that was directed to Hadassa. Naturally, anyone would be curious. Xyler took a look at the man doing the asking, keeping quiet as he listened so not to interrupt what sounded like a serious matter.

---

Luthor

"I don't believe I have ever seen her dress like a girl," He explained with a little smile. "Quite a tomboy, she is, despite all efforts to make her more ladylike." He spoke as one who is fond of, if a little exasperated, by the antics of a younger sibling. Even if that sibling is an 'in law'.

The smile faded when asked about the criminal. "Ah.." He hesitated, contemplating that matter for a moment. "I'm not sure if 'harass' is the right word, but take her out of the city, absolutely." His expression became grave and serious then. "This woman who escaped is a slave trafficker who worked for a very dangerous slaver. She hails from the city of Umbar in the south." He explained with a frown. "She is very dangerous, but also very charming and deceptive. She has been known to lure victims away from cities and then.. it's too late. Some people end up in the markets." He paused, and added, "Others, murdered brutally. In my travels I have encountered a few such victims, and it is..." He shook his head with a concerned look. "I would hope my sister-in-law hasn't met with such a terrible fate, but.. I don't know. Their trails seem to move in the same direction."

He did not know who the dark-haired girl might be, but the innkeeper seemed to think she might be able to help in his search. So, he didn't protest when she directed the question to her, nor passed on the description. He did not know this land well enough to recognize whether her clothing might be any sort of uniform, but he supposed that if the innkeeper was asking her, she might be some sort of authority on finding people? Perhaps he would get lucky.

[Eamila Bolger]

'Well, that tasted fantastic,', Eamila said to Cnith, after she had finished her plate. 'I sure need to write the recipe down so I can make this myself one day.'
She was up on her feet again after this, and went outside to the well for a few buckets of water. Getale walked with her, and together they drew just enough water from the well to fill a large cooking pot.
'Just let me know when it's hot enough to fill a tub for a bath', Ea asked Getale. 'I'll make sure we have some buckets full of cold water as well and them we'll make a perfect mixture. I do think we still have some soap made of horse milk and pine tree, don't we? Our guest might like that better than the one smelling like roses or violets.' She winked to Getale and then went back to the Inn.

Quietly she observed the room. The tall lore master was writing down something, or so it seemed. Perhaps his traveling log for today? Or poetry? Or his observations about the coming and going here in the Inn? Eldrith had just given him a plate full of turnips. She hoped he would like them. Cnith could be over sensitive if plates were returned only half empty.

Eldrith seemed to be having a serious conservation with the Gondorion man Luthor. From what Ea picked up, he was searching for a young woman. At first she thought he might be looking for a spouse here in Rohan, but then she realized something else was going on.
'Oh my', she exclaimed. 'Your wife's little sister you say? Only a bit taller than I am? May I ask of what age she is, because I might have missed the start of your story.'
She lowered her voice when he did the same, Do you think she might have been... forced to run away? Or perhaps this criminal lured her away from home with sweet stories and promises? Did she have a horse or pony, or do you think she has left by foot?'
She didn't quite like the thought of a criminal maybe hiding somewhere near the city. But there was little time to worry about this, for two new guests had just arrived.

'Excuse me for a short moment', she said to Luthor, longing to hear more of his story but also realizing there was a job to do.
She smiled at Hadassa. There was something... refreshing about this young woman that made Ea like her instantly. She understood that Hadassa was working with horses. Eamila loved horses, but also feared them a bit. When you only have the size of a hobbit, the big stallions and mares of Rohan felt like enormous animals. They ware great to watch, and she was alright petting them, but to stand near such a giant in a stable with nowhere to run... what if a horse started kicking you or pushing you with their great head?
'I hear you could do with a good meal', she said. 'Would you prefer something with meat and vegetables, or rather a good filled soup with bread?'
'And you, kind sir', she addressed Xyler. 'Is there anything I can get for you?'
That moment Eldrith included Hadassa in the conversation with Luthor. While waiting for the order of both new guests, Eamila also waited for Hadassa's answer. Yes, perhaps this young woman knew more..

@Aikári Salmarinian @Rillewen @Eldrith @Pele Alarion

[Eldrith]

"Good evening!" She offered as the door opened and someone new came in, right behind Hadassa. Clearly they knew one another and she'd vaguely had the idea of having seen him around. "Why don't the both of you get a table and I will be bringing food out shorty?" She offered, and because she had a keen eye and had already involved Hadassa, she motioned you both to the table next to the one Luthor had taken a seat in. It was a strategic move in a way, though few would think of hospitality as strategic, but it gave you both the opportunity to have your own conversation as well as join her in listening to Luthor.

Now though, worry rose as the Gondorian continued the tale. She glanced around seeing if any other patrons were listening in. Most knew WHEN to mind their business and when to mingle in. She was grateful for Eamila's question and nodded at it, looking at Luther for an answer. What were the chances the girl had simply run away. Considering the tone of your voice, the way you spoke filled with exasperation as well as fondness, it wasn't to be excluded, but even so her sister must be worried. Considering you didn't mention parents it was likely even that she was her only family, possibly a guardian. There was a cast to her mouth at the mention of slavers. Now that part, she didn't have to hesitate in offering help.

"If you have a map or the trails.. we can have patrols sent out... make certain no such activities are taking place here. And if she is in such company, we could offer her safety." Whether that safety would lead her back to you was not something she'd commit to but then you wouldn't need to know that quiet caveat in her own mind, did you? But she could understand more of the secrecy now. A young woman's reputation, even when rescued could be completely destroyed. "I can have maps sent for." A quiet insight there. Maps were precious and rare enough and usually not reserved for pubmistresses to send for.

She sent Eamila a grateful look when she approached Xyler and Hadassa and took care of the orders. Tonight clearly was going to be a busy night. "Did Cnith feed you well?" She asked in a quiet aside. "I am sorry to leave you to deal with the water alone but.. well.. as you can see." Hobbits were discrete, they could move very quietly, more so than one would expect. You were good at that. Both the easy hospitality AND ears in all the right places.

@Rillewen @Eamila Bolger @Pele Alarion

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

Quennar was for the time being wrapped up in writing, as this held importance, long after these people were dead and forgotten. He lived to see these times, which he was used to. Eldrith returned telling about more detail of the tragedy and all what had been done. Of the burn nothing was to find anymore, he had noticed on approach from Fangorn forest. She mentioned also the cooking art of someone was an attractive thing, that people lured here to come. Eldrith placed a bowl with cooked roots on the table, which was Quennar a guessing game how they ate these? Wouldn’t they come with other veggies? Potatoes or herbs to put some taste to them? Or a chunk of good meat with them, if you were human or dwarf? “Ah thank you,” he nodded. “Nice place this inn has become. Looks homely in Rohirric standards, I think?”

The Eldar didn’t eat what they were not familiar with. Plates were left full and returned untouched, so others could enjoy the food. Quennar took a few pages to add some notes upon Rohan. Behind the loremaster, two tables further, sat a Rohan couple with children, who were eying the turnips. So it was pretty quickly that the whole plate changed tables and the Rohan family were eating them. With the lemonade Quennar did it with the crackers and cake that were presented on his table for attracting view. Surely the turnips were a favourite weed to eat for the people of Rohan. But in the former southeast of Beleriand, the veggie was unknown. Back home plates with food often changed hands to children, who wanted to have more. Kids brains need much nutrition. Alone Quennar looked through the window outside, over fields of long grass waving in the wind and didn’t watch any of the others around the fire.

[Pele Alarion]

Hadassa

"Ah... I was caught having brought a kitten into my barracks room. Erkenbrand also doesn't have to be told twice that I misbehaved... so it was extra stable duties and rigorous training. But I could still keep the cat on condition that I'll train her to tackle the mouse problem," Hadassa explained lightly, though she did not go into any more detail when the conversation was more turned towards the serious issue the man there had to present.

With a smile at Xyler who had come in almost on her heels, she nodded towards the offered table and did not hesitate to sit down there as she considered the description.

"I don't think the description matches anyone I've seen lately," she admitted, and then added: "Though I have not really been out and about much. But at least I could keep this in mind should I be assigned to any patrols." She had not heard the whole story, but she also did not feel that it was her right to pry into it and ask many questions that seemed to arise in her mind. Instead she addressed Eamila with a smile.

"Some pot roast and a bit of bread to go with it would be perfect, if you please," she decided on one of the foods that seemed the most appealing, "Perhaps some mead to go with it if there is any?" She glanced at Xyler to see what his choices would be.

[Rillewen]

Luthor | Xyler

The hobbit seemed to appear out of nowhere, to his surprise. Luthor looked down at her when she suddenly spoke up nearby, wondering how he'd not noticed her approaching. He had heard their kind could be sneaky and could get around without being seen or heard, but he had never really seen any before. But he offered a little nod in confirmation when she asked if he'd said it was his wife's sister. "Yes, that's right." He paused then as she asked a couple more questions about it. Her age? "Sixteen," He answered. In fact, while he had sort of hoped no one would ask, he had already considered the possibility that someone might. So he had no hesitation in answering the question.

"And that is what we fear," he added in a lowered voice, concerning the girl being lured away. "But no, she did not have a horse last I knew of," He added. "However, that could have changed." He frowned. "I really don't know."

The hobbit stepped away for a moment to take care of other customers then. Xyler smiled as he took the advice of the proprietor and joined Hadassa at a table, although he did not add any comment of his own when Hadassa declared having not seen anyone to match that description. He found the topic intensely interesting, but he was trying not to look like he was interested. Instead, he turned his attention to the hobbit lady, which he found surprising. He had never seen anyone of her kind before, but he was careful not to stare or anything. Once Hadassa had given her order, Xyler grinned. "The same thing for me, actually." He had already been thinking of pot roast, but he'd held back from saying until after she gave her order.

While they were placing their order, Luthor gave a nod as he turned his attention back to the innkeeper, who offered to get maps and patrols. Patrols.. of guards? He hadn't relaized Rohan had any such thing. He took a moment to think about that. "A map might help me, as I am unfamiliar with this land," He agreed, thoughtful. "And, yes.. I imagine it would be prudent to alert the local law officials about the possibility of a dangerous criminal in the area," he nodded slowly as he thought about that. "I was unsure of whom to direct such news to, in all honesty." He glanced around. "I did not actually intend to make such a commotion about it, in fact. I apologize if I have alarmed or disturbed any of your customers," he apologized to the lady. "I'm afraid my concern for locating my sister-in-law has made me a bit careless."

"What is her name?" Xyler spoke up, unable to help himself.

Luthor paused and looked at him, slightly surprised by his voice. Because he sounded a lot like someone else he knew, and for a half a second, he'd thought it was that person. But that was.. impossible. Just an odd coincidence, probably.

"Your sister-in-law?" Xyler clarified, before clearing his throat. "I mean.. I just noticed you haven't said, is all." He shouldn't have spoken up, he told himself. But it was too late now. "I.. thought if I knew her name, maybe I could keep an eye out for her, if she was to come to the infirmary, you know?"

"Right," Luthor blinked as he realized that he had not, in fact, and gave a little shake of his head, as one might do when they realize they'd forgotten an important detail. "Mary. Her name is Mary."

Xyler gave a slow nod. "Alright. Well, I've never met anyone by that name," he could honestly say that, at least. "And if I do, I'll be sure to remember that." he promised. "Good luck with your search, sorry I couldn't help." He turned back to Hadassa and shrugged as if to say 'ah well'. "How is your kitten, by the way?" He asked her, switching to Rohirric as he addressed her, hopefully making it clear that he was taking himself out of the other discussion.

[Eamila Bolger]

It was not easy to be the cheerful hostess on the one hand and to listen in on Luthor's serious story on the other. Eamila pricked up her ears in an attempt to get Luthor's explanation, but also had to think about the new guests. And more importantly, she got the feeling that she also had to make sure that not too much attention went to Luthor. What he just shared was apparently sensitive. Such a young girl, and possibly accompanied by someone who may have wanted to do harm, but probably knew how to hide that very nicely.

With a light-hearted smile, she therefore accepted the order from Hadassa and Xyler. "Oh, I would have liked to see master Erkenbrand's face," she chuckled. 'Kittens can be so endearing, but they can also cause a lot of mischief. It's nice that the animal can stay! We actually have a very good mouse chaser in the storage room and stables ourselves.' She nodded after hearing the order. 'Twice the pot roast and twice a nice mead. I'm going to pass on your order to the kitchen.'

But now Hadassah and Xyler were also involved in the conversation with Luthor. The first indicated that he did not know anyone who fit this description and that seemed to be the end of the matter. But there was something about Xyler that made Eamila frown very briefly. As he spoke to her, she saw his eyes wander to Luthor. His question a little later for the name of the girl was a logical one. And after that, it seemed Xyler was no longer
Interested in the subject anymore. He turned to Hadassa again and started a conversation in the Rohirric. Eamila shrugged her shoulders briefly. She must have been wrong.

Quickly she went back to the table of the Gondorion. 'You do not worry about disturbing other costumers', she said. 'Your concern is so understandable, I can only imagine how her own father and mother must feel, if she still has parents. They are fortunate to have someone like yourself looking out for this girl.'
Turning to Eldrith Eamila continued: ‘I think Getale can leave the kitchen to get a map somewhere, right?’
She walked a little away from the tables to pour the mead. She wondered about something, and hoped that Eldrith would follow her so that she could consult with her friend out of earshot of the other guests.
@Eldrith @Rillewen @Pele Alarion

[Eldrith]

The fire was a few years ago by now, but they had indeed well recovered. There were traces still to be found if one really was looking. A gap where a building had stood, that now was slowly reclaimed by nature, or a few houses that were newer. And then of course the barracks. The older man was writing things, and she didn't want to disturb that process, but as he commented she nodded in agreement.
"It has become a nice place once more. A place for families to come and meet their kin, or their neighbors and to find out all that is going on." She gestured towards the children, then to Hadassa and the Gondorian. " A place for the cavalry to find ease when off duty and for the traveler to rest."
It was no wonder the children were eyeing the turnips. Caldreda turnips were Cnith's specialty that saw the turnips slow roasted till the sweetness came out, mixed with cream and bacon and cheese and covering a layer of potatoes in a recipe he'd perfected since .. well since she had started working in the Aeldsell over two decades ago.


Eldrith grinned at Hadassa as she 'confessed' "Next time, tell the Laermaestistar the quartermaster instructed you to get a good mouser to deal with the vermin problem and that's WHY you had the kitten int he first place.. It might have gotten you out of the punishment if you were acting on 'orders'." Not that she had any authority to order anyone, but in general there were some perks to serving as quartermaster, and she was in charge of storage of supplies. She heard both of them give their order to Emilia and turned to Luthor, though not before catching Hadassa's eye, raising her eyebrows and canting her head to the newcomer, she had not yet met. The meaning was clear: "Dish".


Of course they had guards and patrols. Usually a combination of older cavalry members and new ones. It gave the young Sperewigends a chance to get learn, and to feel what they were working to keep safe under the watchful eyes of older Dryhtguma's. Regular guard rotations were a simple duty for most.
"Sixteen is young." the pubmistress said quietly and as Eamila offered the idea of sending Getale for a map, she nodded again. "She can be spared for such a mission, I am sure, and it wouldn't be a long walk to the dragon room. And I can talk to the Feldmarshal for you if you wish. Or you could go yourself tomorrow. Forgive me.. " Her voice had softened to give you more privacy. "I did not mean to interfere. But the idea of anyone being taken against their will across our lands...I.. oh.. one moment.. "


She'd caught Eamila's eye and carefully moved towards her, at the same time looking over the pub, making sure all was as it shoudl be. She was already considering whether the Feldmarshal might send missives to the East and Westmark, just to keep an eye out. It didn't mean they had to hand the girl back to you if she was found, or course. But if she was in the hands of someone who meant her ill...
"What do you think?" The question was asked with great trust in the instincts of her friends. Hobbits moved quietly, and for those that chose to look past their own village like she, they noticed a lot.

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen @Eamila Bolger @Aikári Salmarinian

OOC:(1. So due to the recent 'streamlining, and conferring with the First Marshall, we changed the name of the drillmaster to Eideard, halfway through this pub. LOL We can change it back to Erkenbrand. It's easy to adjust the diagram, but I am going to reach out off plaza to see if there's a preference so we don't switch back and forth.
2. my apologies if the post seems somewhat jumbled. I wrote it out very carefully and then the plaza ate it, so I had to recreate it from memory and it just never flows as well the second time.)

[Eamila Bolger]

OOC I hate it when that happens... I actually write mine out in Word before posting them, and sometimes even in Dutch to have Word translate it, haha).

The wrinkles in Ea's face somehow seemed to deepen as she addressed Eldrith quite casually, as if she was mentioning a broken plate in the kitchen, or the loss of a jug of wine.
'Well,' she said, carefully choosing her words. 'It's just that I was wondering whether it is safe to wait until tomorrow, before we alarm the marshals. You see, a lot can happen in one night. It will be totally dark soon, outside. Of course it would be a pure coincidence if this villain was walking around our city right now. He could have gone anywhere. But still: the sooner the officials know about it, the better, right? So they can be on the lookout. So the watchmen near the gate can be informed of the description of the girl ánd of the man.'

She nodded towards Cnith, who had heard her conversation with the two youngsters on the table not far ahead and was already bringing them their mead.

'Also I was wondering... why master Luthor here is only speaking of informing the officials about the dangerous criminal, and not about informing them about a possibly abducted young lady. I wasn't sure how to address this when we were still talking to him. What would be wise? Could it be this whole situation is even more delicate than Luthor makes us think?'

Eamila swallowed. 'And then lastly... please forgive me for my long speech. I realize I was the one suggesting Getale going for a map, thinking about Cnith's work in the kitchen. But the words dangerous criminal keep echoing in my head. If I take over in the kitchen for a moment, do you think it would be wiser to send him instead? Or should we indeed wait until daylight to make sure no deeds that are done in the dark remain unseen?'

In the corner of her eye, she saw how their first guest the Lore Master who had been quite peacefully writing, had moved his plate full of turnips to a nearby table with other guests. She could't help smiling. She was going to await her dear friends' answer, and after that she would try and overcome her feeling of awe for the tall visitor and ask him if there was anything that she could do for him, anything in their kitchen that perhaps he would like.
@Eldrith @Rillewen @Pele Alarion @Aikári Salmarinian

[Pele Alarion]

Hadassa

"I hope that I won't bring more than one kitten into the barracks," Hadassa laughed when Eldrith suggested she should have said she was ordered to find a mouser. "Though it is good to know I might have some support if I turned into a crazy cat lady. Though... I bet I'd be told to sleep in the stables with all my cats in that case."

She then shrugged in return to Eldrith's eyebrow raise and inconspicuous sign towards Xyler as if she did not understand the meaning and then smiled at Eamila who was ready to make sure she and Xyler got their meals. Sitting at the table she spared another longer look towards the Gondorian wondering if there was much else she could do for him except look out for the missing person. Probably not. With a small sigh she glanced around the in to other people before focusing on Xyler properly.

"She's a little mischief, my kitten," she said with a grin. "Prone to escape as soon as such an opportunity comes. Though I think most folk have taken kindly to her on those few times she got out of my room. Apparently I could not keep the secret for too long."

[Rillewen]

Luthor

The staff of the inn were clearly concerned about the matter, as any good-hearted person would be. Luthor smiled at the hobbit's kind words, that he should not worry about what the other guests heard. But some innkeepers would not like to have their guests disturbed by such reports, and it would not be in his best interest to have the lady innkeeper tell him to leave or something.

"As for the parents," He addressed that comment with a sad shake of his head. "Alas, my wife and her sister are the only two left of their family." He explained. "Their parents died a few years ago, leaving Mary in the care of my wife and I, since she was mostly still a child at the time. Still is, really." He turned to the other lady then, who spoke of a feldmarshal. He did not really know the names of their ranks and such here in Rohan, but that one seemed easy enough to make sense of. Probably something like a lieutenant? "That would be most appreciated, ma'am. Thank you very much." He smiled in gratitude. "I wouldn't even know where to look for such persons, myself. And I feared I would not understand anyone here," he admitted. "I've never had any cause to study the Rohirric language before, and I was not sure whether anyone here would be able to help me."

He was about to respond to her comment about 'the idea of anyone being taken against their will across our lands' when she excused herself to take care of something. Luthor gave a little nod as if to say 'of course' and then clasped his hands in his lap, glancing around. He had finished his meal, and there was no more wine to sip from his cup. He decided that he should get some rest before continuing his search, as he had really not slept much at all since setting out on this frustrating journey. In the meanwhile, since he had not yet been told where his room would be, he cast his sea-green gaze slowly around the room, curiously looking at each person there.

---

Xyler

Though Xyler had not met the guy running the Cavalry, he'd heard enough from others to grin when he heard the hobbit lady say how she wished she'd seen the guy's face. And he laughed when Hadassa expressed worry about being told to sleep in the stables. He shook his head slightly. "If you ever do get kicked out, you and Bretta could always come and stay at my house for as long as you need," He offered, then added for clarity, "I mean... I have a couch, and I could sleep there. I don't mind cats."

He still could hardly get over the fact that, as a healer's apprentice, he'd been given an entire, albeit small, house to live in. And, having grown up in an even smaller little cabin up in the mountains, he was used to giving up his room whenever his grandmother had a patient needing the bed. He simply couldn't imagine having to sleep in the stables, and he would hope that she was only joking, and that the cavalry people wouldn't really tell her she had to sleep there. If they did though, he wanted her to know she had another option. Yet, he also didn't want it to sound like he was making any sort of inappropriate offers or advances.

Unaware of the gestures passing between Hadassa and the innkeeper, Xyler smiled as she went on to talk about her kitten's escapades. "I still can't imagine how she got into that prize barrel," he grinned, leaning back in his chair while they waited for their meal to come. He noticed Luthor looking their way, and he tried to ignore him, but somehow, he felt a bit uncomfortable under his stare. He could still see him out of his peripheral vision, but he tried not to let on as he continued to smile at Hadassa. "I guess she's a very adventurous sort, just like you." he grinned. "Seems fitting, I suppose." He almost wanted to mention that he was preparing to leave for an adventure of his own, before long, but he wasn't quite sure how to bring it up without making his friend jealous.

Thoughtful, he looked off toward a window and lapsed into silence as he fell into his own thoughts. While he hadn't come in here expecting to run into any sort of trouble, he was concerned by the fact that the stranger from Gondor was here, looking for "Mary". If that was even her actual name. He somehow got the sense that it was not, even if Luthor had given no reason for anyone else to disbelieve him. Xyler glanced toward the pub's staff, wondering if he should try to speak to them in private, or if this was best kept to himself. Then again, they'd even asked Hadassa to get involved. Maybe he should speak to her in private, to let her know what he knew? But then, he also didn't know if it was even the same person. It could be a complete coincidence. But really, what were the chances of that? And if this guy was here, looking for the girl Xyler thought he was looking for, then... did that mean she was nearby? Should he try and find her, himself, and find out what was going on? But he hardly had any time to do any such thing, since he had to pack his things and prepare for his trip soon.. and besides, maybe it wasn't her. Turning his gaze back to the window, he held back a sigh and tried to stop thinking about it. Easier said than done, however.

[Eldrith]

She bent slightly to listen to her friend. She didn't like the lines of worry etched in Eamila's face. She wanted to sooth, but she also knew when the word dangerous criminal had been spoken, miscreant would be appropriate. "I am afraid, from what I understand the search has been going for some weeks at the very least, and his stop here in Rohan more a shot in the dark caused by the loss of a horse, than a plan or followed trail."
She almost wished it was otherwise. If there was something more they could do. "But it won't hurt to let the Feldmarshal know tonight. And then he can alert the patrols. It's just... " She glanced over at the Gondorian and softened her voice even more. You had put your finger on something. The reluctance to speak too much of the young lady. "What if HE is the one who wants to take her back against her will? We do not know anything of him. Nothing but the name he has given us and the fact that he somehow managed to lose his horse.* Was she suspicious? Yes, probably unreasonably so. A trail of fear lingered when it came to anything to do with Gondor. Prejudice remained within her and the Campian hadn't really helped matters much. "If the streets of Edoras are not safe for Getale then we need to worry about more than a report of a single criminal, Ea.. " She slipped into the nickname without thought at times. "Besides, if I were a criminal I'd rather face Cnith to waylay than Getale. Cnith is more.. peaceful in nature." *It was Getale who'd dealt with drunk Cavalry members back in the days, or anyone who wants too far in the pub. "It will not hurt though to send either or even both, if you can take over the kitchen for a bit, and you can convince Cnith to let you."

She straightened slightly to look at Hadassa as she mentioned not planning on smuggling in more than one kitten. She knew how good intentions like that went when there was poor, mewing, hungry soul looking at you. That inconspicuous smile look though as if butter wouldn't melt in your mouth, didn't fool her for a moment. You knew that young man, at least a little bit, of not a whole lot more. As far as Eldrith knew however she'd not yet seen him in the pub or anywhere else about here, that is, no more than in passing, which meant there was information to be found out. She pursed her lips, considered. She'd not press right now. She would take her time. Didn't seem like a dire case of trouble to come. Hopefully. She'd just keep an eye on that.

"I will send someone to speak to the Feldmarshal on your behalf." The pubmistress offered to Luthor and noticing that plate and cup were empty she started to clear them. "The last room on the left has been readied for you, and Cnith should bring a footbath for you soon if you wanted to find your ease." It was offered with a little gesture of your hand that would show you one of two openings in the back wall behind the counter. The right side with lead to the kitchen, storage, access to the cellar and the little room she claimed for herself and Ea when duty kept either of them here. The left side was a narrower corridor leading to three very small and two larger rooms. You'd been given the first of the larger ones.

She glanced at Xyler, both as pubmistress to make certain he and Hadassa were being tended to and tended to well, as of with the practiced eye of someone assessing people. Time, was a precious gift. And she used it well.

@Eamila Bolger @Rillewen @Pele Alarion

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

The conversations happened around in the tongues of the lands of Rohan and Gondor. The family children behind Quennar enjoyed the turnip meal and the merry tones made the loremaster smile a bit. The pub’s owners were serving around, coming in and going back to the kitchen. Their names were fleeting while writing in Quenya, the forbidden language among the Eldar in Middle Earth. Quennar had heard at some point, but never bothered with the issue not to use it. He had left his own people a very long time ago, even before the humans woke up in Hildórien. It had been on the voyage towards Middle Earth, after the destructions of the trees that regulated light and dark in the very early days. He had been lost in Beleriand, until he had found the Galadhrim of Ossiriand, woodland elves of their diseased king Denethor, married into them and became one of them. That was what home was, with a wife, children and more offspring by now. He finished the last of his notes, what would be worked out back in Agliriand. He flipped through earlier pages on dates that went back quite some time. Quennar hadn’t been here in a pretty long time, in the context of an elven decade. Behind it was a different kind of consciousness, Quennar was totally unhurried with things. The sense of mortality was not there and aging went very slow, or barely at all.

Time had its own essence. It was not a person nor it had its own consciousness, far from that. Time was an automatic outflow from the realignment of the stars and the planets, after the first age by the creation songs of the Valar, in coordination with Eru. Invisible hands had visibly shaken up the landscape in which winners had been rewarded and the losers punished. Creation and destruction were one and the same thing. Morgoth had been the symbolisation of the evil, but Quennar was convinced it stemmed from Eru himself, as he was one where the Ainur came from, independent copies of parts of his thoughts. The Valar were both creators and destroyers. They were meant to be guides to the elder and younger children of Ilúvatar. Quennar knew they were forbidden from deprivation of the own free will, using force of killing or domination by display of angelic powers against these races. At first it had encompassed only the humans and the elves, but the whole of the natural world had been added, the Ents, the Dwarves, the Hobbits and even the Uruks. Trolls were not much of an issue that a real angry bear, if there was no angelic ruler dominating them. Goblins too had a sense that their own chaotic little lives had more sense to them than being driven against your will in battles to be slaughtered. They were in the basics of creation, to multiply as fast possible. Their society of merits selected the weak from the strong. It was a brutal life, but still effective. The weak slaves had to care for their strong masters.

The slowest walkers on earth were the Ents, set by their long memories and understood the most by the elves who lived the longest. Quennar loved them since he had encountered them in the south-Beleriand woods. The Dwarves were a curious kind of people and were part of the stone foundations of which Middle Earth existed. The history of elves was tragic chapter that needed no explanation. The humans were the greatest copyists there ever existed and what their sources were, they couldn’t care about. Time was a fleeting aspect to them, not something constant. They had limited space in which that executed the will to achieve the most they were able to. Young elves were often a kind of problem. Youthful restlessness stirred up feelings that erupted society like thundering volcanoes. They had to come to terms with the issue immortality, the witness of constant change, creation and destruction. The Noldor had lot of examples who never really made it to full adulthood and be accepted a council and guiding figure. The Vanyar had been too much in love with the Valar and intermarried easily with the many Maiar around, because they had been with so few. The Teleri or Sindar were as much the undercast of the whole elven pyramid, a people who had captured the lessons of Yavanna the best. Aulë was her counterpart. The Sindar had never had a real issue with the Dwarves, that had been the darkhaired, proud Noldor. Beleriand had been their examplary template.

[Pele Alarion]

Hadassa

"You would give up your bed and sleep on the couch? Really?" Hadassa tilted her head, though her eyes reflected more of gratefulness and appreciation rather than surprise. "When it is your own and I'd only be a guest?" It felt good to know that she had a friend like this, though they had not even known each other for that long. "Though I hope I won't get into that much trouble. I try to be a model cavalry member, I mean... I really try, but I guess it doesn't always work out."

"And I also hope," she then added after a while, "That my adventures won't get the little Bretta into way too many along with me. I still don't regret that I drew such a fluffy prize from that barrel."

She watched Xyler for a few moments wondering what he was thinking about - it seemed to her that the thoughts he had were not that light-hearted.

"How have you been doing? Not getting into trouble, hopefully?" she asked.

[Eamila Bolger]

‘You are right of course’, Eamila sighed and she absentmindedly wrinkled her apron with her hands. ‘It’s just that… well, ever since Sharkey and his ruffians…’ She swallowed, took a deep breath and looked at Eldrith.
‘Let’s just say I’ve had my own experience with criminals and I know how unsafe a woman can feel outside alone after sundown. But you are right, of course.’ She straightened her apron and put on a faint smile.
‘I may be just a small hobbit Getale on the other hand is a strong woman who can easily stand her ground. Thank you for reminding me of that.’

Now that she thought about it, this strength of the Rohirrim was something she had liked about them immediately, after the first time she had joined Meriadoc in his visit to Rohan. How they handled horses, well, that was something special. No wonder Cnith could bring that tub of warm water to the guest room without any help.
'Well, I guess since our guest is going to his room too, perhaps it would be best to wait until tomorrow so one of us can join him,' she said. 'Because we have the information from here say anyway, and perhaps master Luthor would have extra information to add that we don't think about to ask, wouldn't he?'

She breathed more steadily now and felt a bit more confident than she had done just minutes ago. While looking around, checking if all the guests were happy, her gaze once again halted at the sight of the LoreMaster Quennar Tarcelmë. He seemed not to mind that he was not joining in other conversations. But still Eamila felt she had to at least check on him.
'Excuse me, milord', she said after walking over to him. 'Is there anything I could do for you, or do you just want to sit down and write a bit more? I mean, do you not wish anything to eat or drink, or perhaps a place for the night?'
@Eldrith @Aikári Salmarinian @Rillewen

[Eldrith]

She reached out to Eamila, without hesitation and in front of the entire pub, laying a hand around her shoulders and pulling her in closely. "I wish I had been with you at the time." she simply said. "She wished she had. She wished she had been there to help you feel safe. She wished she had been part of that. She tried not to wield a sword, openly. The Campian had once more shown WHY it was a bad idea. But she would have lifted hers in your defense. "Never forget how strong you are, freond mine. And that you have already well proven yourself. Bravery comes in many different shapes, and in you, it definitely is Hobbit shaped. And yes... Getale would be unlikely to have any problems, and there are always the patrols."

She waited till she could feel that breathing steady fully and then an extra moment before she let go. She SHOULD have been there. "Let us wait till tomorrow and then see what needs to be done." She might change her mind. She might go later, but for now... she wanted to see to things here.

The exchange between Hadassa and Xyler drew a hint of a smile to her lips. Especially since Hadassa had returned an utterly blank look when she had questioned her. Uhuh. She didn't however interfere, instead she went to the bar to have a look in at Getale and exchange a few whispered words. As Eamila went to their traveling scholar, she smiled, seeing her steady again, and grabbed a towel to do some clearing. It was a good night, despite the unsettling information, and whether in an hour or so or tomorrow, she'd speak to the Feldmarshal about what she had heard. There was another possibility though.. but who would be good at it? She couldn't draw worth her salt, but others might? Eamila? She'd never heard of that talent. Maybe Hadassa? The handsome young stud? Or maybe the studious scholar? Though of course there was a great difference between writing and drawing.

[Rillewen]

Luthor

Luthor gave a nod in response to the lady promising to get the feldmarshal for him, and added that a server would be bringing a footbath to the room. "Thank you. I appreciate that, on both accounts." He smiled and slowly rose from the table, cringing slightly as he brought his weight back onto his sore feet.

Looking toward where the innkeeper had pointed, he nodded to see the two different hallways. He had no need to go into the kitchen, obviously, so he set off for the other that would lead into the guestrooms. The last room on the left, he recalled her saying, and when he reached it, he was pleased to see that it was one of the larger ones. Good. He preferred larger rooms, although it was still a good deal smaller than what he had become accustomed to. Still, it would suffice for him to stay here for a night, or possible a few. Depending on how long it took him to pick up the trail again.

---

Xyler

Hadassa's question made him laugh lightly. "You think I wouldn't?" He asked, a little amused. "Actually, I've always done that, my whole life." He shrugged. "I mean, back home.. well, my grandma only had two bedrooms in her house. So, whenever she had a patient to tend to that needed to stay overnight, I had to sleep on the couchH." He sat back and smiled slightly. "So, yes, for a friend? I'd absolutely do that."

He wasn't quite sure what a model cavalry member was supposed to be like, of course, but he nodded in understanding that she would want to try. Just like he tried to be the best healer he could be. Well, apprentice healer, but whatever. He smiled at the mention of not getting Bretta into trouble. "I still can't believe there was a kitten in the prize barrel," He laughed at the recollection. He was glad that she'd been there to rescue the poor little thing, but he did wonder how it managed to get in there.

His food was pretty good, and it kept him busy for a while, along with the other matters on his mind. The Gondorian guy was going off into the back to find a room for the night, and somehow, Xyler felt just a little relieved to have him out of the room. There were other things going on, too, but he was busy thinking about his friend, and wondering where she might be now.

Then, Hadassa drew him back from his thoughts as she asked him how he had been. "What, me? Trouble?" Xyler asked, feigning innocence, then grinned. "When have you ever known of me to get into trouble?" He asked, raising an eyebrow challengingly. Since they had only known each other since the spring, he doubted she could come up with much to reply with... but who knows. He shrugged then with a little smile. "I've been.." He paused, then lowered his voice slightly so it wouldn't carry across the room. "Trying to practice riding, whenever I can." He finished in a more confidential tone. He'd been teased often enough as a child about his lack of horsemanship skills, that he did not want to announce to the entire common room of Edoras that he didn't even know how to ride a horse, and was only just learning for the first time. But he trusted Hadassa not to spread the tale, nor to laugh at him.

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

Long years had passed by. Quennar was able, even from the distance he sat of the mortal visitors, to hear what they said. But concentrating on Quenya their words faded out. Besides they talked off local matters and the Elda hadn’t any knowledge or awareness of those issues. “Should be fine,” he said to himself in Quenya. He read through earlier entries, which would form a book later on. It would all be part of the Quentalë Ardanómion, which was now about twenty volumes. Thousands of years for study had ended into these books. But his musings were broken by a voice in the common language spoken in these regions. Aside from him by the table stood the Hobbit girl Eamila, who had spoken earlier to him. What there something she could do for him? Or wanted he keep sitting and writing? He was not even busy thinking in these words. He still had the elderberry drink untouched standing on the table. He was not particular hungry, but a fruit dish?

“Could you just put a some fruit in a bowl? Melon, apple, or blueberries, strawberries or something like that,” he said. All sorts of hot meals were not necessary. And meat his kind never really ate, or if there was nothing else. But that was an uttermost extreme. Lembas was enough for the road. The night he spent just outside on the porch, enjoying the stars in all their beauty. He didn’t answer the last question. “I have my drink still.” People would approach eventually someone like him. In a sense he radiated semi consciously what Galadriel always had done, the reflection of the ancient light of the Trees, as these Eldar were called the Calaquendi. He frowned slight. “What is a Hobbit like you doing here in this place? What I do know, they tend never to travel far from the Shire, tucked between the Ered Luin and the Hithaeglir?” Sure there were travellers, but as far as Rohan? The south and west Farthings were pretty homestuck people. They lived not that far from Harlindon. Both Forlindon and Harlindon were the surviving lands of Beleriand.

[Eamila Bolger]

Eamila’s heart felt full and loved, after Eldrith’s warm hug. Yes, her friend had not been there at the time, but she was here now. They were here now. Together now. And that was all that mattered. So standing next to Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë she answered without hesitation: ‘It is love that brought me here. The love between friends who are more like sisters. That would be the short answer to your question. But indeed, you are right. It is not common for a hobbit to be traveling outside the borders of the Shire, let alone Eriador, or to live outside them.’

She looked out the window, where the last bit of daylight lit the mountains around Edoras. With a dreamy look in her eyes she continued: ‘I guess I have always been a bit more adventurous than most hobbits are. I have always wondered what could be found behind our borders. As a young hobbit girl I loved to hear the stories of Bilbo Baggins about his traveling and his adventures. But it wasn’t until my uncle Meriadoc Brandybuck returned to the Shire after the War of the Ring, that I really started to long to see more of Middle Earth. You see, the Shire has had its own trouble, especially during the time my uncle was away with Samwise, master Frodo and Peregrin. You must have heared of the things the wizard Saruman has done in my home country. It stirred something in me, that’s for sure. I realized that my home wasn’t the safe place that I thought it was. But…’ she glanced at Eldrith, ‘it also made me realize that I was strong enough to endure hard times. Strong enough to keep standing in challenging times. Strong enough to face new horizons and have adventures. So when my uncle travelled back to Rohan to meet King Éomer, I begged him to take me with him. And while spending time here, I realized that Rohan has more resemblance to the Shire than one might think at first. People here are not necessarily sophisticated, or wise when it comes to reading, or philosophy. But their love for nature and their straightforward attitude comes pretty close to who we hobbits are. That's why when my human friend Eldrith here needed extra hands in the Inn, I decided that serving, which I love to do most of all, can be done just about anywhere. So… here I am…’
A blush coloured her cheeks. ‘I just gave you the long answer…’ she said apologetically. ‘But to continue with what I last mentioned: my love to serve. I would most gladly offer you a bowl of fruit. Autumn might be here, but we still have some lovely blueberries, apples, pears and, my personal favorite, raspberries.’

She rushed off to the kitchen and made sure she picked the best looking fruits that she had harvested for their guest.
When she came back, the bowl of fruit looked colorful, with the addition of some edible flowers on the fruit.
'Here you are, master', she said. 'I hope you enjoy it. And I don't want to waste any more of your time, for I have ben speaking too much already. But if you do have the time... I have one more question. It may not be common for a hobbit to travel to Rohan, but I haven't seen many Elves here either. How did your traveling bring you here, in Edoras?'
@Eldrith @Aikári Salmarinian

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

A full conversation enveloped from this moment. First there was a short answer that made not much sense to Quennar. He knew straight there was a tale hidden behind it, as the Hobbit girl was telling it. But stranger stories had come to him. When she looked towards the window, Quennar arranged the papers and took a new sheet to write on. He was sure there would be coming more, it was just waiting on it. Eamila told her tale offhand, what gave the Elda the chance to write one and other down without she saw it. In Quenya and script it was impossible to know for her what was written down. He didn’t interrupt her long answer, as Eamila voiced it. Meriadoc had grown old then, that the new generation had grown up. How many years had passed on since the destruction of Sauron’s spirit? A love to serve? Quennar was not known with such kinds of love. He smiled faintly still to the Hobbit girl. “I never met any of the five Istari in their current roles,” he shook his head. But Olórin he knew from the very early days in the gardens with Nienna, when the man visited the Vala. All five of them were back in Valinor, or had they not returned? Quennar kept track on history, not what happened in the current day.

Eamila was most happy to get a bowl with fruit. In her absence Quennar wrote most down of what he had heard and closed the bundle and closed the ink pot. He drank some of the berry juice. Eamila came back with the bowl filled with different fruits. Quennar attacked the fruit bowl and took some pieces of the pears and apple to eat. This was much better than the delicious turnips the table behind had attacked. “Thank you for your tale, Eamila,” he said with a nod of the head. She had a question of herself. “I came from Fangorn, where I met a bunch of old friends. It is one of the home forests where the Ents dwell.” The Laiquendi were around there, secretive and reclusive. The old lands of Ossiriand, dreamland of streams and waterfalls, deep forests with an evergreen crown and rich undergrowth. “Most of the Noldor have left these lands, most who are around are the Teleri peoples. They were never the stonecrafters of Aulë, like the Dwarves, building great cities and fortresses, with armies in silver metal, proud and lethal.” Most of it all lay under water now, ruins completely burned out and destroyed, once filled with corpses. The ruins were now homes for the fishes, water plants and other small habitants of the sea, as crabs and mussels.

[Eldrith]

There was the smallest curve on her lips as she half eaves dropped on the conversation between Hadassa and Xyler. It wasn't gossiping if she kept her lips closed, right? Now of course it might also be a nice tale to share over a pint of ale with someone. But that would go against her rules for the pub. Now of course they were in public and there was nothing really happening. But it was fun to speculate. Wasn't it? She'd find out more later..
Eamila offered some food to the elderly traveler and he asked an easy question. Eldrith smiled as the story came forth. It had been her good fortune that Eamila's Uncle had traveled back here. And that she had been able to convince her friend to stay. Aern Freblod needed to have people live in it. It needed the heartbeat of family. And even when she arrived here, that family had not all been blood. Sinold Braganil had been adopted by Lady Bereth. And Eldrith had been taken in the way one might take in a stray animal found wounded on the doorstep. But then she had become family. And the Aeldsel had become a second home. And after the fire the Eallníwe Inn had been a new beginning. For the both of them.

She moved back to her friend, turned her back on Hadassa and Xyler and gestured 'discretely' with a slight nudge or her head to them. "What do you think?" It wasn't gossiping, really. Eamila had eyes just as much as she did, right? Which reminded her.
"We may be having a guest at the house for a few days. Potential new recruit for the Cavalry." She added, as both a description and a reason, and then added, in reassurance. "A young woman." She took their safety seriously, not that a woman would necessarily be any less dangerous, but the ruffians had been male and they had left an impression. "I know she is likely to go to the barracks in a few days. There's a hole. Stupid squirrels. Maybe we need to organize a squirrel hunt after the mole hunt" She added with a shake of her head.* Should be fixed in a few days but.. perhaps she could come for visits after...?"

[Eamila Bolger]

She couldn't help it: Eamila started to enjoy her conversation with the Loremaster more and more. She had found him quite impressive in the beginning and had the feeling that he would rather not be disturbed. The fact that he was now enjoying the fruit so much did her good. As common as it was with most hobbits, dwarfs and humans, she did not expect to see an elf enjoying a meal like this.

Her eyebrows went up when she heard him say something about the 'Five Istari'.
'Five, you say? Now... Saruman has vanished... disappeared into thin air. Fortunately.' She sighed.
'Olorin... that is Gandalf, as we call him, if I am correct? Oh, what beautiful memories I have of his fireworks on Bilbo's birthday. But he is no longer here either. He left for Undying Lands, together with Bilbo, and with Frodo, the Ringbearer.' She had no knowledge about the other three though. But the next words from Quennar made her eyes light up.

"You have been to Fangorn before coming here? That sounds wonderful. Maybe one day I will also walk within the boundaries of that special forest. But only side by side with someone who has been there before. I wouldn't want to get lost there. Somehow I feel that you would never get lost between the Ents… you probably understand them a lot better than any of us hobbits or humans ever could.'

The Loremaster seemed to be lost in thought after his last words. It sounded a bit sad and all things considered, it really was. When your fellow Elves slowly but surely moved to another world...
Eamila had little knowledge of Noldor and Teleri, but thought she could conclude from his words that Quennar was still one of the famous Noldor. She had stories of conflicts between them and the Teleri. Being part of a big family like the Brandybucks, she could imagine something how that might work. But still… they were all hobbits. That had become quite clear at the end of the War of the Ring. They were standing strong together. The stories Eamila had heared about the Elven conflicts, went beyond a discussion about overhanging apples from your neighbor's tree, or a forgotten invitation to a family member’s birthday. She hoped that history would not repeat itself and that those still living in Middle Earth would never forget they were brothers and sisters.

Still thinking about family and differences, she decided to clear some empty plates from the various tables and then saw Eldrith, who looked at her with a twinkle in her eyes.
What did she think of the nice two friends further down the corner? The hobbit woman smiled broadly. "Isn’t it wonderful how young people find each other here, for a drink and a chat?’ she said. ‘They both seem like dear youngsters. Allthough it seems hard to be sure about the young man. He is harder to read, it seems. But it’s good to see how they find friendship with each other. Or is that not what you were referring to? Do you see more than that perhaps?'

She looked up in surprise at the announcement of a possible new guest for several nights. Most guests found the Inn mainly for satisfying their hunger and thirst. If they did stay, it was often no longer than one night, as a welcome break from a journey. But a guest for several nights? At the house? And a woman at that? 'I'm already looking forward to it,' Eamila concluded. 'But... forgive me my curiosity Eldrith, is it someone I know?'
@Eldrith @Aikári Salmarinian @Rillewen @Pele Alarion

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Loremaster Quennar Tarcelmë

The loremaster took some of the raspberries and blueberries and stuffed them away. Most of his species were vegetarians and lived of plant materials, such as wild wheat to bake any sort of cookie, bagel or bread from. They did use local names for the five Istari, what was rather confusing. Hadn’t their Quenya names not been shared? “Tarindor? Ah that is too bad what happened… the five Guardians were sent again.” He had grown up with the stories and the images shared of their original lands way in the east. The sixth Guardian had been Melyanna. There had been Oromë and Tulkas around as well. Melkor was in those days very troublesome, with all of the Eldar very innocent. The time of this guardianship had been two Valian years. “Yes five masculine spirits, I don’t know their local names, but they were Tarindor, Olórin, Hrávandil, Palacendo and Haimenar. They protected my people in our awaking days. Because of their excellent deeds they were sent out again.” He had heard of the wizards coming to Middle Earth. They hadn’t arrived all at once, but in different stages. What happened to Tarindor’s spirit? Did it wander around, if it was effected?

After the raspberries Quennar ate the rest of the pears. “Browntrunk, Swiftleaf and others are very old friends. I met them in my young adult years, when I travelled around before I met my wife and settled down. Time has no essence in these woods. It is not that much of understanding, but behaving. If your heart is open and you are not hasty, you find curiosity and willing leafy ears to listen,” said Quennar over the apples to Eamila. “Why would you feel a fear to get lost? Because of the tales that are told about it?” He would hit a nerve, but it was also a highlight to difference between an open heart and a hesitant heart. Most of the Laiquendi taught these Ents to speak. “I heard from them what happened in these lands over the mountains.”

Mairon had never be witnessed by elves or men in his original blissful form and a love for order, planning and coordination, in the service of Aulë. Even on the isle of Almaren Melkor must have seen ways to ensnare this Maia into his service than Aulë’s, as kind of hidden spy. It had been a sinister work of ages, until redemption was no longer possible. But Quennar told nothing of that to Eamila. As Hobbit it was better if she was not aware of those facts than the horrendous eye Mairon had been in Mordor. The Void was a soulless place to dwell. It was fairly possible that Tarindor was banned to there as well? But in these lands was no way of knowing, other than what Eamila revealed that he had disappeared in thin air. “You like to visit Fangorn? You could come with me and be back for dinner?” he asked about it to the Hobbit. He smiled when this person Gandalf had left the Hobbits with good memories of his fireworks for many years.