[Envinyatar]

Derufin yawned and stretched as he sat up in bed. He swung his legs to the floor, and yawned again. It had been a night of peaceful sleep, and he looked forward to a pleasant day.

He poured some water into the basin on the wash stand, and splashed it vigorously on his face, driving the last traces of sleep from his eyes. His fingers ran over the stubble on his cheeks and chin, and he pulled his razor from his pack along with the brush and foamy soap bar. Propping up the small mirror he carried with him, he went about conquering his beard with sure strokes from the razor's sharp edge.

Picking some clean clothes from the bottom of the pack, he pulled on a pair of black breeches, a black tunic, and his last blessed pair of socks. 'I must do some washing today if I am to appear presentable in the coming days.' he spoke aloud, as he pulled on his boots. 'And these boots - they look quite disreputable. Perhaps I can find someone willing to clean them for a coin or two.'

These thoughts occupying his mind, he came down the stairs, looking to find breakfast. He paused halfway down the stairs, watching the scene between the Hobbit and Mistress Piosenniel. 'What sort of drama is this?' he wondered. 'And why does the Elf rub her head so,then retire to her rooms behind the bar?'

Since breakfast was nowhere in sight, and his path did pass the Hobbit who now stood with another, he stopped, too, to speak with her.

'May I be of service, m'lady? You look as if a heavy burden has been laid on you. I find myself free this morning, and will help you as I can.' He grinned at her and raised his brows as she glanced up at him.

'My terms for services rendered are easily met.' he assured her inquiring look. 'I'll work for food and the pleasure of your good company.'

[ January 14, 2003: Message edited by: Envinyatar ]