The Green Dragon Inn - Part 6

[Elora]

Uien entered the inn just in time to beat the lunchtime rush. Her arrival was greeted with enthusiasm by Buttercup. She examined Uien's hands and smiled at Uien.

"Clean hands? Wonderful! We could do with some help with the midday rush." No sooner had Uien managed to nod her reply did she find herself installed behind the bar.

"Aman says the rooms are filling fast. Record the names here and give a key with payment - in advance, mind you. There's some space left yet, but not much, and I'll not loose it to insolvent drifters." Buttercup patted Uien on the arm, speaking as though the solvency of guests and occupancy rate were her chief concern. "Thanks again, Uien," Buttercup added as she walked away.

Uien examined the book and the key rack and shrugged her shoulders. She could do this task. Westron, she noted as the read the entries in the book. Aman wouldn't thank her for a tengwar scrawl. Noting that, Uien took it upon herself to smile at those that passed in a welcoming manner. Aman's warm hospitality was still fresh in Uien's recollection. She'd given Uien a bed without so much as a sniff of coin.

At her post near the room reservation's book, Uien was given the chance to observe the common room. Derufin had recently arrived back, she noted. She would have to speak with him before tomorrow morning. He was smiling merrily as Cook spoke with him. The look of delight on his face warmed her heart and Uien found herself echoing his smile herself.

Falco started when he saw her expression and checked over his shoulders to be sure she really was smiling in his direction. Uien made no further indication of recognition, but smile she did. The Hobbit blinked and then straighted his waistcoat.

"Strange," he muttered. Inwardly he had to admit that he liked to see her smiling at him instead of frowning or worse still gazing cooly at him from great height. But only inwardly. "Now't as strange as Elves, as they say," he reinforced for himself lest he soften a little with her wily smile.