Alameth paused outside the inn and peered at the sign. “The Green Dragon,” she mused. “Reputable place, from all I’ve heard.” She tried to freshen her appearance, if only a little, before entering; but when she had finished, her golden hair still hung rather limp about her shoulders, and her green dress and cloak (which both looked more brown by now) were still hopelessly dirty. As she stepped in the door, she was practically assailed by smells of ale, food cooking, and pipe smoke. What she saw surprised her: in addition to the hobbits (who were nearly everywhere), there were many men and Elves. She was startled, but happy to see people of her own race after her long journey from her home in Rohan. It must have been a month since she had seen anyone besides hobbits! Not that she wasn’t fond of the little folk; who couldn’t be?
Alameth noted, especially, that two elves and a woman were conversing. A woman! She was nearly desperate for company of her own gender and race, so she decided to approach them. They looked friendly enough.
“Excuse me,” she said, taking advantage of a lull in their conversation. “I hope I’m not intruding, but I’ve been traveling a long time by myself, and I’d like to join you, if you wouldn’t mind.” She smiled hopefully.
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