======================== Steward's Reckoning ========================
IC time is:    Late Morning < About 10:53 AM >
IC day is:     Orgaladh <Tree-day>
IC date is:    19 Girithron <December>
Moon phase:    Waxing Gibbous <HIDDEN>
Earendil:      Gil-Estel is not visible
IC year is:    3039 TA
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RL time:        Mon Oct 02 18:58:00 2006
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Bree Market - South

This section of Bree is known locally as Market South. There are shops lining both sides of the road, selling a variety of wares and services. Here, at the southern end of Bree's Market two roads meet, one from the east and one from the north. The market is rather noisy and filled with activity, as people buy, sell, trade or simply browse the goods available here. Along with the items for sale, different aromas from the foods being sold blend together to add another dimension to the market.

Contents:
Aléswyn
Pipeweed Stall
Food Cart

Obvious exits:
 Sewing Shoppe leads to Sewing Shoppe.
 Alleyway leads to Large Field.
 Bakery leads to The Bakery.
 East leads to Bree Market - East.
 North leads to Bree Market - North.

Another typical spring day in the Breelands. Late morning, the sky is cloudy, the atmosphere rather gloomy, and a cool breeze floats along through the market. The breeze, coming from the west, carries with it the promise of rain as well as the scents of the bakery and the fruit and vegetable stand beside it. Just across the way from the bakery, several stands have been established by the local merchants. Aleswyn Faerhan, the head of Bree's Merchant's Guild, busies herself behind her stand, stacking piles of soap. More soap is brought out from the crates beneath her stand, and everything is arranged neatly, in well-organised stacks. Now and again, as people make their way past, she'll call out a friendly greeting and query. To Jonathan, "How's Myrtle's arm?" And to Rebecca, she asks, "Did William get the table finished?"

But one fellow to whom she might not have so ready a greeting is the same one who walks hither from the northern market. Tall is he, and wrapped in a long, heavy cloak to match the weather; his hood thrown back to reveal dark hair and a keen, grey gaze. He walks through the stalls with a light interest shown for each one, but nothin appears to take his fancy as yet. The stranger approaches the stacks of soap, and for all the world looks as though he could use them.

Never one to turn away a customer, no matter his appearance, Aleswyn does greet her potential customer in a friendly manner. "Greetings, sir." She's not falling-to-her-knees friendly, but polite nonetheless. "I've the best soaps you'll find in the Breelands or anywhere if you've a need of some." She refrains from letting on just how much he needs them. "This here," she says, picking up a small green bar and handing it to him, "is perfect for washing yourself." A faint, gentle smell comes from the wrapping. "And this here," she says, picking up a larger bar at the other end of the table. "Would be ideal for washing your clothes. All are made by my hand."

Glancing down at the green bar, the stranger takes it politely and raises it to take a sniff. "A fair aroma," says he, smiling then. "Made by your own hand you say? What manner of herbs make up such a thing? I confess I know little of the making of such things.."

"A bit of oat for scrubbing away the dirt," Aleswyn begins. "Along with a bit of mint for opening your skin and a few other things you likely would not care to know about. I assure you you'll find it pleasing, not only to the skin but to the senses as well. In fact," she says with a salesman's smile, "I'll allow you to try this overnight, if you like, and you come back to me tomorrow if you like it. If you find you're not fond of it, keep it anyway but worry not about paying me."

An eyebrow arches upon the man's face at this, matched by a pleasant surprise upon his lips. "You must have confidence in your work indeed," he replies, "or else you are kinder than I was told to expect of Breefolk. I was warned I might not be too welcome here..."

Smiling, Aleswyn nods her head. "Aye, that I do. I have been making soap here in the Breelands for nigh on thirty years, sir, and rarely have I had complaints." She offers a small laugh, then adds. "And most of those complaints came from young lads under ten years of age." She sobers, just slightly, and responds to the man's last comment. "Aye. 'tis true that many people here have no love for your kind." Her last two words are spoken as if they're a slur. "But I am a merchant, and I have no reason to cast stones at those who help to keep my grandchildren fed."

On her way from the Pony comes a cloaked woman, bow on back and a gentle smile on her lips speaks with a boy walking at her side. Nodding, there is a moment when the woman bends down and offers the child some money and watches him scoot off towards the bakery. Giving a shake of her head, she readjusts her packs and starts to look over the items within the market place. Pack and all strapped to her back, Annaiel is the perfect image of one ready to flee after a winter.

Wavy ebon hair is pulled back into a loose braid. The allure of soap does attract the tall woman and she takes note of the conversation before intruding, "Morning." The simple word comes off with a warm smile. Eyes linger over the items, leaving them to speak.

"My kind?" replies the stranger, though it is noticeable that he pockets the green bar of soap. "What kind might that be? You are the second I have met who has spoken of my kind... have I a look to me that reminds you of someone?"

This said, he turns to face the tall woman, and smiles. "And to you, good woman," he greets, ere he looks back to Aleswyn.

To the newcomer at her stand, Aleswyn offers a smile in greeting. "Good day, lass. Have you need of soap?" She picks up a small pink coloured bar and hands it to the woman. Through the paper it emits a faint scent of roses. "You might find this pleasing to the nose and soft to the skin, lass. Or if you've more of a cloth cleaning soap in mind," she says, stretching to reach another bar. "This should clean even the worst dirt your lad should find."

And to the man already at her table, she sighs slowly. "Aye, you have I am afraid. There is one who comes through here, calls himself Grey, and more trouble than he you will never find. I say he does make people about Bree rather nervous of strangers. Trouble seems to find itself in Bree whenever he is about." Looking up and down the street through the market square, as if to see if anyone is listening, Aleswyn lowers her voice and says more quietly to the pair. "Once I was attacked by a most foul creature when he was about. It was a troll, the likes of which you hope you'll never see. Twelve feet tall if it was an inch and ugly as sin. Nearly tore the life out of me, it did, while the one who calls himself Grey fought against a weak orc. Were it not for the Eagle to come along and save me ..." she shrugs, then adds, "Well then, I might not have lived long enough for the funny little creature that nearly got me the following year ... ALSO when Grey was about." Standing back up, she puts on her salesman's face again and asks. "Shall I wrap that for you, lass? Go on, take it with you and sample it like the one I offered him, and if you like it as I know you will come back tomorrow to pay me the coin. It is made by my own hands, you know."

A brow raises in interest and then vanishes as instead the interest of a man buying soap makes her smile further still before returning to the inspection of goods. As a pink soap is offered to her, Annaiel takes it, turning it over in her hand to take in a smell of it. A pleasant smile settles over her lips and then as the story unfolds, she tilts her head to listen. Brows arch and she returns her gaze to the array of soaps and picks up the other the merchant spoke of for cleaning clothes. Taking one of those as well, she notes another and lifts it, smelling it of lavender, she nods.

Addressed again, the lithe woman nods, "Aye, these three please, and no samples, I fear I could not do you justice and return to tell you what I think. I leave today and it may be a while till I return." Smiling she hands them over and eyes drift towards that of the bakery next. "You were attacked by a troll? How dreadful, I am glad to see you have faired well despite it."

Nodding solemnly to Annaiel's words, the man seems to quite agree. "Aye," says he, raising a hand to stroke his chin, "or else we would never have learned of such a rogue. He sounds familiar. I think mayhap I have passed him on the road a time or two, and he seemed most unruly indeed. Alas for the scoundrels of the world say I. But fear not madam, for though I wear his likeness you shall have no such trouble from me. I said as much to a man named Bill last night, and I stand by my word. Do you know of him? He was short, and smoked a pipe; which I am afraid to say gave him a rather nasty cough."

Smiling still at the woman, Aleswyn nods her head. "Aye well, safe travels to you then, lass." And back to the man her gaze wanders. "Bill, you say? I fear that is an altogether too common name around these parts, as are men who are short and smoke pipes." She laughs gently, then adds. "And those who smoke the pipe do tend to cough a bit much, that I have noticed as well. Did you perhaps get a last name for this man Bill? Though I would be hard pressed to say that I don't know who he is. Having lived in these parts most of my life there are few people who live here that I do not know."

Nodding, Annaiel clears her throat. "Sorry to interrupt, but might I have these three? Unless they are free?" The jest comes mirthfully and the woman offers the soaps again to the merchant, already reaching with her other hand for the pouch at her hip. Eyeing the man to her left, she takes a moment to study him discreetly.

"How much would the three be?"

Smiling to Aleswyn's words, the man says naught in reply as he awaits the transaction.

"That will be three copper pennies, lass," Aleswyn says to the other woman. "But seeing as how your lad was such a handsome one I will offer them to you for a mere two copper. Have we a deal?"

Confusion is writ on her face and Annaiel gives a shake of her head, "Nay, what lad were you speakng of?" Glancing between them, placing the soaps within a satchel at her side and then producing the three pennies.

"The ... lad you ... were with before approaching my stand?" Aleswyn says rather hesitantly, peering up and down the market square for sight of the lad. "I saw you bending and speaking with a lad, hand him something, and watched him skip off to Mitzi's."

"Oh Lek.." Annaiel nods now and smiles, "Yes of course, he is not mine. He lives here, I merely found the time to share tales with him and offer him something to sweeten his stomach with. He will not be going with me, much to my relief, hopefully it will be years before he goes running across the countryside." Nodding, she hands over the three pennies, "Here we are then, with no lad.." It seems to hit a chord but she just exercises and extreme lift of the corner of her lips. "Then three copper."

Laughing, the man shakes his head. "Now, had you owned up to that young fellow, you could have gotten it cheap. But here is to honesty," he smiles and nods then to Aleswyn. "I thank you for your gift, and shall let you know how I fare with it. Good day..."

Moving away from the soap stall, the fellow seems to linger, perhaps waiting for Annaiel to join him.

Turning from the stall, she shifts her packs only to see the man in a state of lingering hesitation. Annaiel gives him another quick study before joining him. "Honesty and truth get you further here, I would rather not perpetuate the reason for their dislike of 'our kind'." Annaiel presses her hair over her shoulder, untangling it from the strap at her right shoulder.

Glancing toward the bakery, she seems to be waiting and then takes a few steps, "You were not planning on staying here, are you. The Last Home awaits not far, and the paths are opening from the winter."

"Nay, I was not," answers Lominhur, for that is his name. "I am merely passing through from the west. The Shirefolk seem merry enough, and I came for news. And for that," he winks, "I would hope to avoid being lumped with 'our kind' at all. I like not some of what I have seen, and perhaps might hear more this way. What have I missed during the cold months?"

"I know not much, for mostly the Breelanders have but gossip that holds nothing of content. But before the cool of winter set in, there had been some run ins with the trolls. Other than that, the northman from the other side of the Misties were here for some time, but have gone their own way. I do not know if I can tell you anymore."

Annaiel gives a shrug of her shoulders and tilts her head to study him, "Do tell me who I have the pleasure of speaking with, that I might know you if we meet again."

Smiling then, the man bows his head. "Lominhur am I, though I am Rush when care must be taken. Are you not Annaiel? My mother knew you, or so she says, and spoke of you often. Know you Hirvien?"

"You are Hirvien's son? She often spoke of you, yes, though I never did get to meet you. She and my mother are good friends, Thalabrennil. We know your family well, of your father. I am sorry." Annaiel grows quiet, "It seems that sadness finds everyone in some form, more so as the days grow darker." The soft call of a young boy's voice wakes her from her thoughts as Lek, returns with a honeycake, beaming. "So yer gonna tell me bout the trolls again right!"

Turning to regard Lominhur, Lek finishes his piece of honeycake and furrows his brows, "Who's this."

Annaiel opens her mouth and she looks between them, an amused smile growing, "Lek, I would like you to meet a good friend of mine... Rush. I am quite sure he has more stories, perhaps better than mine for you to hear." Shifting her pack again she nods to him, "Seems you found something good." He nods and displays the treat for her to see and then returns that studious gaze upon Lominhur, "What kinda stories ye got?"

Peering down at the lad Lominhur smiles anew. "I have a few, though not so many with trolls. Rather, have you heard of goblins, young sir? Vile, nasty things should you meet them, which I truly hope you never do. They are shorter than a man, but what they lack in height they make up for in cruelty and cunning. I've chased more than one of them away before now, and dare say I shall chase many more to come..."

New tales! Ones that Anna had not shared with him! "Goblins! Ana talks about trolls! Lots of trolls, and of the evil humans that took away her son!" The ranger shifts of her feet and smiles softly, watching him for a moment. "Perhaps you and Rush should get to know each other better. They still owe you a meal at the Pony, why don't you take Rush with you?"

Annaiel smiles encouragingly, but Lek cranes his neck between them. "Nah, he needs to hear yer stories too! We all should go.." She gives a shake of her head, "I have to travel yet today, and you wouldn't want me running into trolls." Making it seem dramatic he grins slowly, it spreads, "It gives ye better stories! Come on, we can eat outside."

He turns then to Rush and looks at him, "Ye can come too, since ye've seen goblins, someday I am going to travel like Anna, like the other cloaked men that come to town."

Glancing briefly to the female Ranger, Lominhur then smiles to Lek once more. "I am sure you shall.. and will be brave and strong like they are as well." He makes to follow the boy.

Hesitating, she lets them pass her as she makes as if to turn to go. But it is the shrill call of the Lek who spots her going. His finger pointed at her and brows furrowed he states quite boldly. "Leaving me without another story, I won't see ye for a while, please come with us Anna." Sighing to herself, she turns and nods slightly, "Very well, lead the way to this 'picnic' spot then I shall send you off to the Barliman to prepare it for us."

Youth in its prime takes off at a careful fast pace walk while Annaiel is happy to just take her time. "Sorry to have gotten you into this, but I was pretty set on fleeing. Seems even the presence of Goblins won't deter him." Amusement though resides in her tone.

"Oh?" grins the other, "Fleeing, only to leave me is it?" he winks, and wends his way northward. "Grieve not overly for my father, for he died well, and lived a fine life. I miss him, of course, but am prouder still to bear his name and sword. One day, all the foul yrch and their masters shall pay for all our losses, and the land will be free once more."

"Your blade will not be the only one to cut the price from their numbers. You are not alone and in this I can see you have at least found peace." Annaiel smiles to him as she shares the short road to the Pony. Stopping him, the smile fades, "I do not mean to dampen the mood, but I must ask you what I have asked everyone that might know." A considering gaze crosses the cobalt grey eyes, "Have you seen a boy of about seven, raven curly hair with pale skin and silvery eyes? He would be about this tall." She holds her hand at just above her hip and watches his reaction, carefully.

"Alas, I have not," says Lominhur, a sad smile drooping on his lips. "And I know of whom you speak. I swear to you I shall be alert everyplace I travel for a sign of him."

"It is all I ask, that our eyes be open, it is all I can hope for." Staying where she is a moment, it is the reminder of their smaller companion that helps break the air. Annaiel smiles again, though somewhat strained before she nods and turns back, "The Master is calling us, we better heed his call." She manages a gentle laugh and with the boy eagerly waiting there comes a spring to her step again.

Regarding Lominhur again, she does chance to ask him, "Why the shirelings? What have you interest there about, or is it just the wanderings you wish to take?"

It is Lominhur's turn to pause, and he sighs as he looks to his companion. "They remind me of happier times," says he with no small amount of wist as he follows the others. "A simpler life, where the trees and streams were all the world to me. Do not mistake me, I am proud of our heritage and our deeds, but often long for the gentle pleasures of Archet, where I grew up as a child. Of course, I would be spotted in an instant were I to return there, and so I asked to watch over the Shire-folk, for they are closest in heart and humour to my old neighbours."

"I do not deny that would be something to wake up to every day, I have heard of the little folk and their homes, I regret to think I have yet to have seen it. One day perhaps. You will have to tell me then, what it is like." Lek, always the impatient calls out from around the Pony and along a nice small area where the winter is losing hold and spring growth is showing through. "A picnic.." States Anna, whom grows quiet once more.

As they draw closer, she shrugs the pack off of her shoulders and then down her arms. Moving to set it down, she sighs slightly. Fishing into her pouch, she removes several coppers, "Ask for drink and food, cider will do."

An outstretched hand takes the eagerly awaited money and then turns to regard Rush, "Same fer ye?" He questions. Anna looks between them before going to find a places on the slight incline.

"Ale for me lad," answers Rush. "And be sure to grab yourself an apple or two."

As Lek bounds away to relay these orders, Lominhur glances back towards Annaiel and moves to join her. "Something else troubles you?" he asks, sensing her mood perhaps.

"Nothing more than you already know." She motions for him to sit if he hasn't already and brings one knee to her, the other outstretched as she enjoys the warming of the day. "So to the Shire than after this? Or are you planning remaining for a while?" Annaiel removes the bracers over her forearms and then unlaces her jerkin.

"Tell me, how -is- your mother doing?" Regarding him again, she smiles softly and adds, "You are very much like her, I do not know why I didn't see it earlier before you introduced yourself."

"She fares well enough," comes the reply, "though the loss of my father weighs heavy upon her heart still. It will be many winters ere she can set that to rest, if indeed ever she can. And you are not the first to notice," he adds with a grin. "They say I have her eyes most, and her smile second."

Glancing skywards to take in the afteroon as it arrives Lominhur continues. "And no, I have come from the Shire, to make my way east. As I said, I wish to hear tidings of the winter, and to learn where my boots need carry me next for our Chieftain's honour. What of you? You mentioned returning to the Last Home?"

"Yes, that is where I am headed. I believe too far for anything I wish to achieve, but the wisdom of our friends there might yet help me. But you travel away from the Shire when I hear it is the more lovely? I might then be able to ask you for a travelling partner." Annaiel watches the Pony and then turns back to him. "Your mother is a good woman, strong. She mourns as she should but I have no doubt she will triumph over that which plagues her heart." Fingers lift with those words, unconsciously to the string of beads about her neck.

"I would be honoured to travel with you, if that was your meaning," smiles Lominhur. "I would appreciate the chance to learn more of our people, for I while grown I have much to learn of our lore. I have not long known of my ancestry."

"And I would be honoured to share what I know, for I grew up with the knowledge of our people, it would be a pleasure. It would also make the road more bearable." She admits. "Though I may know more of our ways, the travelling is different for me, I miss and long for the warm hearth of my home. It is a place, once found, the heart never wishes to let go of." Thoughtful for a moment, she rests arms over both her knees as she pulls them in, her smile growing as she turns her gaze upon him. "And as much as I speak of trolls, I have never seen one and I know the road to the Last Home is treacherous. I have been there once a long time ago with my father, I believe my feet and heart know the way, but it is my mind that will cloud and confuse me and I do not long to see what might come of my mistake."

Laughing then, but kindly so and not in mocking, Rush nods. "I for one have never trodden that path as yet, so would be little aid to you in finding the way, but my sword can gladly help you with whatever finds us should we go astray. I too wish to see this place, of which my mother has spoken much. I hear there are pools of wonder for any to swim in, and where the Kings of Old made their gardens.."

Resting her head upon her arms, her eyes grow distant again, "And a beautiful waterfall where the arches of the King's people wander and sing, straying to lend a loving gaze upon all they touch. It is their song I miss the most. Turning to rest her cheek to her arms instead of her chin, she smiles now with the warmth of memories, "You shall love it there, absolutely take pleasure in all that is beyond the reach of corruption...it is a place that stands beyond time."

There comes the piping of a voice as triumphantly, Lek leads one fo the serving girls out with the tray laden with food, cheese, drink, meat pies, and fruit. Setting everything down before them, she eyes the two rangers. "Mr. Butterbur requests you bring back the ware after ye are done, ye be needin' anythin' else?" She bobs her head and waits before Lek waves her off himself, finding his own large mug and sitting down. "Seems I will be staying then, if you are to come with." Annaiel winks and reaches to take the other cider while she hands Rush his ale.

Between mouthfulls of brie and thumb tasting of meat pie, Lek states, "Barliman seemed pleased we were eatin' outdoors.." Swallowing he peers over at them, "So ye gonna tell us a story?" comes the reply.

Taking the mug from Annaiel and chuckling to Lek, Rush smiles and sips at the ale. "If you wish, I can tell you one, though you must be good and sit still and not interrupt. Stories are best when left to the teller to tell."

There is a lifting of brows and a scurry to gather what he wants so he can, indeed, sit still. Lek settles himself and starts to munch at the small meat pie as he nods to Rush, "Ready.." Comes the reply as Annaiel, herself, relaxes back against the slight slope their picnic areas is on, leaning back against her pack and watching Rush, "Yes, what story will you tell us?"

Taking a draught of her cider, she raises brows over the edge of the mug in interest to his story, setting it back down at her side before pulling one leg back to her and resting her cheek upon her arm.

Grinning then, Rush takes a second draught of ale ere clearing his throat to begin:

"There was once a fellow named Gordatz, though he was no fellow like you or me. You see, Gordatz was an orc, or goblin if you will, and he had many other goblins under his command. Some he had beaten until they did what he said, others he only threatened with beatings, and well, they didn't want that at all. So, they followed old Gordatz, and did his dirty work, as he considered himself far too important for such everyday deeds. He thought quite a lot of himself, as you will find out, and decided one day that he should have a throne. A throne! For a goblin? Quite silly, I'm sure you'll agree," he grins with a wink to Annaiel. "But anyway, that was what he wanted. So, one day, he decided to go out and get one... but it was quite a special one that he wanted. To get it... he needed a troll..."

Pausing for effect, Rush grins and rubs his hands together. "And so they found one..."

Growing as interested as Lek, Annaiel laughs softly to herself, "A throne.." she whispers to herself, taking a sip of her own cider to turn and watch the young boy, who is furrowing his brow at the prospect of a goblin in a throne. "Goblins! Are they green? Wouldn't a troll eat them, what about the others? Did he have a queen perhaps..wait are their female Goblins..if there isn't how do they hav..." Realizing his stream of questions is interrupting the story, he fills his massive maw and hushes, trying to look as if he said nothing.

Smiling softly to herself, Annaiel's eyes are not longer resting upon the story teller, but the boy listening, a distant look falling over her, though a gentle smile curves her lips.

"Well now!" exclaims the man, frowning to Lek and wagging a finger. "Goblins are not green, and perhaps the troll would eat them if he could, but you'll see why he didn't, if you allow me to continue..."

Coughing then, and looking as though he is trying not to grin, Rush goes on, "You see, the goblins had snuck up on the troll, and made very sure he did not know they were there. As I said, orcs are very cunning, when they want to be, though they never think of anything but mischief and nastiness. They found the troll sitting in a glade, at night of course, picking his nose. Gordatz decided that the beast was just what he was looking for, so he told the others to stay put, and he went out to meet the giant..."

"It took a moment or two for the troll to notice, but when he did, as you can imagine his first instinct was to get up and bash this bold goblin round the head. But Gordatz was clever, and before the troll could collect his wits the orc called out quickly to stop him. 'Hold there!' he said. 'Stay awhile at your ease, for it is I who have more cause to fear you!' Of course, the troll was rather taken aback by this, as they are not clever themselves, and so he did not eat the goblin, at least, not yet..."

Closing her eyes, Annaiel listens to the story before her gaze returns to Rush, Lek absolutely fixated on him. At several points it is obvious that poor Lek is fighting the want to let out a word or two but stifles it. Chewing slowly, he holds the mug with both hands now, listening slowly, "Trolls talk.." he starts to say and shushes. Anna laughs to herself softly and settles her cheek back down on her arm.

Rush nods. "Well of course they do, and I was just getting to that... before you stopped me," he says sternly, though once more the gleam of amusement is in his eye. "Now then, where was I... oh yes."

"'Fear is right!' roared the troll, and you don't need me to tell you they can roar quite loudly. 'Who are yer to creep up on ol' Bruiser like that?' You see, trolls do not have very imaginitive names, and where they run out of Bills, Berts and Toms they usually just call each other by what they do. So, 'Bruiser' was pretty annoyed and confused at this point, and Gordatz did not help..."

"The goblin replied, 'I am but a bandit, giant one', which was perfectly true, for I have not met the orc who wouldn't steal from even his best friend. 'But even I have heard of the mighty Bruiser!' This, of course, went down rather well, for one thing trolls love, and this may save you one day, is flattery."

"Bruiser was pleased, and so he went about finding out just how great Gordatz thought he was. The goblin was happy to keep praising him, and for quite a while they talked and talked. And after that, Gordatz even told the troll how much like a King he looked. 'You should have jewels and stuff,' he said. 'Or at least a necklace'..."

Lek twists and turns, sitting with his attention now fully ensconsed as he forgets even his food. Leaning in, he opens his lips, grinning as he loves the goblin for the way he is leading the troll. Story or reactions of the two alike, Annaiel seems geniunely peaceful, relaxed, with an unwavering smile gracing her lips. The story though, is not passed off by many, for when children pass a few more gather and what seems to be a brother and sister edge in closer, peering at Rush and then Lek cautiously, but Anna nods ot them, motioning them to join.

"Now," grins the man, glancing and nodding to the two new arrivals. "Bruiser would have been much happier with a crown, and he said as much, but Gordatz shook his head and replied, 'Ah, all in good time, mighty one.' You see, he then told the troll that he would find a crown for him, but that right then, at that exact moment, he could only fetch a necklace..."

"Bruiser was secretly impressed even by this, but of course, when you're a troll you don't show it. And so shrugging, he asked the goblin: 'Yer reckon yer got one fer me?'. Gordatz nodded quickly, and he smiled a huge wide smile, which he did not mean, but thankfully for him the troll didn't realise. 'Oh yes,' said he, 'got one right here'..."

Rush pauses once more, and grins slyly to the children. "And so he clicked his fingers, and from the trees nearby came two of his lackeys, and they were holding a great ring of iron..."

"That's not a necklace.." And the little girl, clinging to her brother's frame at first nods in agreement, "Me muthers necklace is a locket...she lets me wear it sometimes.." Comes the meek but certain words of the clear eyed child. Moving to sit as her brother shows her, she sits leaning against him, Lek on the other side as he eyes her. "Rush won't tell us the story if we are not quiet, .." Anna eyes Lek who shies from the look and straightens. "Want some of my honeycake?" Comes the venturing reply, though he makes himself look to be bigger and much more mature, though they probably share the same age. She smiles slowly and nods as he hands her small piece and she eats at it before licking at her fingers.

Her older brother is the first to speak up, "Go on mister, we'll be quiet."

"Just as well," nods the man, and he sniffs. "Or else you'll never find out what happened..."

"Now, you know it wasn't a necklace, and I know it wasn't a necklace, and Gordatz certainly knew it wasn't a necklace, but Bruiser didn't. As I said before, though you might not have been listening," he adds, sending a look to the little girl, but not overly harsh, "trolls are not very clever like you or me. Even so, it took a reassurance or two from Gordatz before he was completely fooled..."

"Now, as I haven't said yet, this particular ring was not even truly a ring. You may have seen ones like it at the local jail, where they put the naughty people who act like orcs. It was a giant shackle, and as the two goblins stepped up towards the troll they opened it up on its hinge and clamped it shut around Bruiser's neck! You would have thought he'd have caught on by now, but once again Gordatz was quick enough to keep him distracted. 'Oh how great and kingly you look!' he told the troll, and after a dig in the ribs from his elbow the other two orcs nodded and agreed. But they were not quite finished with the unlucky troll just yet..."

They are quite quiet, happy to exchange soft passes of fruit of meat pie, sharing the cider as well. The little girl smiling overly so at Lek, who turns and at first away from her but every time there after starts to smile back and even blush one before his attention is caught in the story. Anna notes all this before her gaze of stormy grey rest upon Rush, placing her a hand to her cheek, watching him still as she admires the story and his weaving of it.

Rush sneaks a grin to Annaiel ere continuing, for his eyes have not missed the exchanges between Lek and the girl either. Pausing yet again, to clear his throat and take a draught of his ale, the man then goes on with the story.

"Bruiser now was a little anxious, and he fingered the collar nervously. 'Feels rusty' he informed them, but they were not put off in the least. 'No, no,' argued Gordatz, and by now he had been peeking up at the sky once or twice, and you will see why soon. 'You look majestic! But, there's something missing'..."

"He clicked his fingers a second time, and a wide grin spread across his lips. It was not a pleasant one, or a kind one, or even a hungry one; it was quite nasty and I am very glad you didn't have to see it. He then told Bruiser, 'Now you need a cloak, and some armour, to make you look even more kingly!' Can any of you guess what he did next?"

The little girl shakes her head and then Lek thinks a moment, "They attacked!" Easy and fast to think of war and fighting, he grins from ear to ear, eyes widening. The little girl looks forlorn and seems to lean into her brother more. He puts an arm around her as he just waits patiently to hear the rest. Lek, still grinning from his idea sticks a plump piece of potatoe into his mouth, munching soundly. A slow smirk spreads to her lips as her head finds the gentle pillow of her arm to watch Lek. "Tith.." she whispers and blinks, letting the children be in favor of finding out what Gordatz was so sneaky about.

But Rush shakes his head and chuckles. "Wrong, I am afraid, you really should listen more. Did I not say that the goblins were quite clever? And everyone knows that fighting is not clever, when you can use words. And even with a collar on, Bruiser could most likely have made short work of them. No, what they did was much sneakier than that..."

"'We can give you both at once!' said Gordatz, and he kept on grinning. 'Can yer?' asked the troll. 'Oh yes,' said the goblin, 'let me show you how...' And so, with a nod from Bruiser, the goblins rustled in some nearby bushes, and they came back with several heavy lengths of chain. They were sturdy, and thick, and each one was almost twice as long as the orcs were tall. They clipped them to the little rings that were on the edge of the collar, and before Bruiser knew it, he had both a 'cloak' and some 'armour' of iron, all rolled into one! 'Now then,' said Gordatz, pretending to be wrapt in awe and pointing to the sky, 'See there! Even the stars shimmer and blaze fearfully! Why, they tremble so much they even make the night appear like dawn in their terror as they look upon you!'..."

"Of course, Bruiser had to check, and sure enough it was true that the sky itself had lightened. A blue, healthy glow was taking shape amid the sparse clouds, and it was a shame for Bruiser that he failed to spot the golden line on the horizon; a sure sign of the coming sunrise. Instead, the ogre shielded his eyes, grinning triumphantly as he revelled in the dawn's apparent fear..."

Lek gaping, stops even chewing as he realizes the clever, very clever idea that Gordatz had thought up. Anna laughs softly to herself, watching Rush now, seemingly in his element. The little girl, blinks and wraps her arm around her brothers and shifts to move to his lap. He adjusts for her, his eyes shining with interest so that he does not make a peep. "Stone." Lek finally hisses triumphantly and grins, sending a gaze to Anna whom nods and winks at him.

"Oh yes," grins Rush, nodding slowly for full effect, and looking each of the children in the eye. "Stone. But Gordatz could not afford to take any chances, and so even as Bruiser looked up at the sky, he clicked his fingers a third, and final time..."

"Many more goblins slinked into view while the troll was distracted, and quick as you can say 'hoodwinked' they attached the chains to longer ones which they brought out of the brush. Before he knew it, Bruiser was chained to the forest..."

"Oh how he roared, and how he wailed and how well he might have still got away had not the goblins been so cunning. As he thrashed about the chains went taut, and it became clear that they were wrapped around heavy boulders and sturdy tree trunks, for they would not budge, and so neither could he. 'Scum!' he bellowed. 'Tricksters and filthy liars! I'll stamp yer brains out onto the ground I will!' But of course, he could do such thing, and the goblins laughed at him until he sat down and began to weep..."

"And then, as the sun popped out over the trees, as you quite rightly guessed, he turned at once to stone! There he sat, a huge, horrible statue on the grass, and Bruiser was no more. But, you might ask, why on earth did Gordatz want this to happen? After all, what was it he was looking for in the first place?"

The late comers look at each other and shake their heads, but Lek pipes up, "A throne.." Anna smiles softly, "And so he found one..a troll throne." A tilt of her head and the female waits to confirm this. A brow raises over Lek's eyes and he studies between the two, not quite seeing how a troll was an adequate throne. "But it is an ugly throne.." Chimes in the little girl, "I would want one of pretty wood and velvet."

"No doubt you would," chuckles Rush to the girl, "and so would I, but orcs and goblins are not as nice as we are. They like nasty, ugly things and so as Lek says, Gordatz got himself a troll throne. They carved out his big fat belly, for Bruiser was not a very nice creature and had eaten many people in his time, and so you should not feel sorry for him. They carved out his belly, and dragged him off into the forest, where Gordatz sat upon him for many years. Of course, Gordatz met a rather sticky end himself, which he fully deserved I am sure you'll agree, but that is another story."

This said, and his tale apparently over, the man grins to himself and takes another swig of his ale.

Beaming, Lek eats more of his meat pie, "I like that tale, it was a good story." Nodding, he takes a deep drink of his cider and then turns to regard Anna, "Tell us of the elves..I bet Rush would like t' hear..of the singing stream and the grand king." The little girl perks after watching Rush a good long while, smiling decisively at him, even if she found that using a troll for a throne was none too pleasant. The elder boy though was moving from one story to the next, smiling fully now before he also turns his gaze to Rush, "Where'd ye learn that, mister?"

"It is common knowledge," replies Rush to the young lad. "Or at least, it is where I come from. But you need not wonder where I learned it, for you have learned it too now."

Smiling then, he looks to Annaiel. "Aye, I would indeed love to hear of elves and Kings," he says, with a twinkle in his eye that suggests he means more than what the children might expect.

Lifting her head from her arm, Anna looks between the eyes now cast upon her. She narrows her gaze at Lek. "You know I must be off soon, but very well." She settles both of her legs back, sitting now instead as she faces them and meets Rush's gaze, her smile growing at his look, a grin spreading. "Very well, but I need you all to close your eyes and try to picture what I tell you..it is not a story, but images. Can you do that?"

The girl, eyes already closed, nods and smiles, Lek and her brother soon to follow as she then waits for Rush to do the same.

A grin spreads across Rush's lips, and he takes another sip of ale ere he too closes his eyes.

"A gentle mist of water greets you as you come to a beautiful field of flowers and trees, before you rests a bridge to cross a large cliff that the river flows through away from a beautiful water fall." Annaiel's own eyes close as she draws on old memories.

"The birds sing a song from the emerald and gold trees, as you cross the bridge you see the graceful figures of elegant women, tall and slender in dresses of rich purples and blues, greens and golds. They sing, beautiful songs, so beautiful they come from everywhere. There over the waterfall, with pathways and archways, statues, balconies lies the gracious home of the Elf Lord Elrond, a king among elves."

"The gardens are everywhere, wound with ivy and white flowers, tulips, amaranthe, and violets all pop up, pools of water and more music fills the air. Here there is peace and true safety, for no one passes into this realm without the Lord's permission."

"At night they gather to sing again, round burning fires and silver moonlight, they dance and sing. Beautiful cloth and movements, great feasts and laughter. The main hall an arching expanse with a large table, the Lord sits at the head, his two sons and daughter there as well."

A dreamy smile settles upon the young girl's lips at this introduction, and her fingers toy with the hem of her dress as the visions no doubt dance before her eyes. Her brother too seems quite taken by the words, for he sits calmly and stares into whatever sights are mirrored against his eyelids. Only Lek fidgets, having perhaps heard the tale before, and even he just a little as he half-opens one eye to catch a glimpse of the girl.

Rush merely nods, his head hanging low and his face unseen.

"The Lord, stands welcoming you to his realm, displaying a feast for you, of fruits, cakes, sweets, roasted boar and deer. Even as you eat, they continue to sing into the late hours, poems and all to the twinkle of fireflies outside. Then as they lead you to rooms open, without walls, for they need none, they are safe, they are large, beautifully carved of swans and deer, of trees and flowers, soft and full, all to your own. You fall asleep to song as well and the gentle sound of the waterfall. Dreams of princes and princesses fill your head, of daring swordfights and honour."

"And when you wake, there is song, and the brilliance of the sun shining down upon the Last Home, of Elrond the wise and his family, of his people. They greet you and to you the realm is open, gardens upon gardens and rooms upon rooms." Annaiel's voice grows softer as her thoughts become foggy. Opening her eyes, she still seems lost within that world. "The home of the elf-king is beautiful, so beautiful I can not describe it better." Her gaze wanders over each face and then finally resting on Rush. "I think it is time for us to go."

Lominhur raises his head, and smiles as he opens his eyes. "I think you are right," says he, and there is a wonder in his voice that suggests he means not only from the Inn. "And I thank you."

The children have no such hidden meanings, and as their eyes open they clap and smile brightly. "That sounds simply wonderful!" exclaims the girl, and Lek grins to her. "Of course," says he, "I knew about the elves and their King Elrond before. I could tell you all sorts of things..."

The girl looks with wide eyes to the lad and replies, "Oh you could?" before her brother chimes in and the three of them begin to debate the elves with fervent vigour amongst themselves. Rush chuckles at this, and finishes his ale ere rising to his feet.

Standing as well, she sets her mug down close to the other items and grabs her pack, readjusting it slowly, she speaks to Lominhur as she watches the three, "Do you think it's pointless right now to try to remind them to return everything to the Barliman?" She casts a gaze at her new found companion and smiles softly still, reaching down to grasp her bracers, another task she takes her time with.

"I am sad to leave them, but they will form their own stories now. After hearing such an impressive display about a goblin, Gordatz, I wouldn't be surprised if one of them didn't become a bard."

"Or travel as soon as their years permit to see the wonder of Imladris," chuckles Rush in return. "Though they will be sadly disappointed I wager when they cannot find it. But as to the wares, I think as long as they are left here all will be well. Even if they catch a hot word in their ear it will not be their first and no doubt not be their last. They seem happy enough for now at least."

This said, Lominhur then nods to the eastern road, and awaits Annaiel's guidance.

"Happy, it is good to see them so. If they wish to see the Last Home, they will. But for us, it is a journey away and a rusty memory of a place once seen. Let us hope I can remember that faint path." Annaiel fixes her last bracer and turns, regarding the children once more before nodding to herself and moving for the southern gate, heading for the great road that will at least take them part of the way.

Regarding her companion, she smiles, "Thank you for coming, the road won't be ever so long."

Bowing his head, Lominhur smiles. "Let us hope it is quiet also," he says, and the two slip away onto the road.

Behind them, the children play and laugh and argue for many an hour, until at last a rather weary looking hobbit comes out to rebuke them for the missing mugs and plates. They are hardly bothered however, and after many a taunt of 'goblin!' and 'my friend Elrond will get you!' they skip away and end up becoming fast friends.