The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter

[The Perky Ent]

"For many a year I've walked this Earth, and I have but one thing to show for it." Barnaby grabbed a flask from his green tunic, and drank its contents. "Ale". Looking over a hill, Barnaby spied the Bywater. He took a vial of ink, a long purple quill, and a tearing peace of parchment from out of his jacket. As he looked over the list, he made several markings. Looking finally to a small blank space on the parchment, he smirked and tucked the supplies back into his jacket. Grabbing his walking stick, he strode down the hill to the Green Dragon.

Barnaby was an average hobbit; he loved the Shire, and its bounty. Ever since he was a lad, Barnaby showed a true passion for drinking. He was not an alcoholic, but a connoisseur. For over sixty years, Barnaby had gone from one end of the Shire to the other, in search of the perfect ale. He had not found the ideal drink yet, but he had vowed to keep searching until he had found it.

Walking down the road, he stopped at last to a crowded establishment. “Ah! The Green Dragon. I think I shall start here. “ Barnaby said, as he walked into the Inn. Inside, he found a multitude of yelling, cheering, and of course, drinking. He struggled for a second, dodging a rather drunk hobbit who promptly fell at Barnaby’s feet. “This will prove interesting.” He said, as he walked on down to a table. He caught the eye of a woman carrying drinks. She walked on over to Barnaby. “And what can I get you today?” she said. “Oh, I think an ale will be fine for now” Barnaby said, as she walked away.

Several minutes later, she came back with the drink. “Thank you, Milady “ Barnaby said, as she walked away. Barnaby took out his parchment and quill, and then started to sip the drink. At once, a surge of please and excitement ripped across his entire body. He went down on the ale like a worg ravaging a dead carcass. “That…that was…more!” he said, as he scribbled down the drinks taste on his parchment. “I think I shall be here a while” he thought, as he got up, and walked over to the woman who gave him the drink. “Excuse me Ma’am, but can you direct me to the innkeeper? “