Elendor
Career changes?
Election chit-chat in the Pony: Torebras and Grey both receive hints that they should look for new jobs ...
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Common Room
Game Date: August 29,1445 (3045)
IC Time: Lunchtime
Description: Common Room(#32029RM)
This large and rectangular room serves the purpose of Common Room for the Prancing Pony. Large windows along the western end of the room peek out over the Great East Road which runs outside the Inn. There are long tables with bench seats for the patrons in the centre of the room. Nestled into the wall is a large fireplace with several bundles of wood piled next to it. Overhead, lamps hang down from roof beams, but their light is dim and half-veiled in smoke. The corners of the room are wrapped in shadow.
Obvious exits:
Out
================================== Bree Time ==================================
Real time: Thu Dec 11 14:14:01 2008
Bree time: Late Night <04:42:03> on Trewsday of Summer - August 29,1445
Moon Phase: New Moon
===============================================================================
Breelands Weather
The late night summer air is very hot and dry around you. The night sky is clear with only slight wisps of clouds overhead.
[Cordelia(#24827)] It's lunchtime on a hot and dry late August day, and the Common Room is packed with villagers and farmers and tradesmen and hobbits, all vying to get an ale that is at least slightly cold. Tucked onto a bench at the end of one of the center tables, Cordelia sits, desolately stirring her hot stew in the bowl before her. The day is too hot for stew, and the young woman looks as if she has no appetite at all, in fact. Her sleeves are rolled up, and her black hair is sticking to her sweaty forehead.
In strolls Torebras Bywater, fanning himself with his feathered hat. Over these past few weeks the Mayor has been busy visiting constituents old and young, voicing his opinions on matters as diverse as taxes, Outsiders, beer and general approachability, not to mention the supposed 'incompetence' of his rival. Now, as he enters, he is chatting to old Gaffer Haycorn. "Oh indeed, indeed. Why, the man can't even follow the proper procedure for setting up an ale festival!" At that latter event Torebras has been conspicuously absent.
Gaffer Haycorn looks desperate for escape, and slips quickly off to join the oldsters gathered round the bare fireplace, leaving Torebras without an audience. His eyes fall on Cordelia and he beams. "Ah, Miss Wood! How are you doing? Well, I hope."
[Henleg(#20696)] Outsiders! yes, there are some of those who're not of Bree, yet live nearby or, at least, come to bree a lot. one of them, indeed, comes in after the mayor, his Grey cloak stained with mud. His appearance is, as usual, not very welcome among the breefolk, who distrust those of his kind: Rangers, they call them, and it seems the name is foul in the mouths of the Breefolk when they call them thus. Grey removes his cloak, and then goes towards a lonely table near a corner, where he perhaps might enjoy a bit of food and drink.
[Cordelia(#24827)] It's just at that moment, as Grey starts to walk by, that Cordelia jumps up abruptly, narrowly avoiding the bowl of stew spilling over in her lap, but setting the bench she was sitting on flying backwards. The young woman flies over wtih it, threatening to land right on top of the Ranger!
Though Cordelia has opened her mouth to answer the mayor, no words come out--instead she squeaks as she starts to go over backwards.
Cordelia's squeak is echoed by another. "Miss Wood! Watch ou- oh! How absolutely dreadful!" Torebras exclaims, his brown eyes as round as saucers. He hesitates a moment - but there are all these people watching, and Helping a Person in Need always goes down well. Hat still in hand, the Mayor trots forward, his free hand outstretched to extricate the young woman from whatever tangle she ends up in.
[Henleg(#20696)] Well, it seems Grey isn't in for a peaceful afternoon, after all. A lass comes flying, literally, at him! Yet this Ranger has lived long in the lands about bree, and knows one thing or two about being able to speedily get out of harm's way. He gives a hop to a side, almost knocking a stocky hobbit who's eating in a nearby table, and avoids being bowled over by Cordelia. instead, he tries to break the lass's fall with his arms, and also to avoid Cordelia from causing havoc in the common room of the Pony.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "What?" Cordelia looks up, confused as she doesn't hit the ground but ends up caught by the Ranger. "Grey!" she blinks. "Are you running for office with the Mayor? I didn't know you were back in town."
Alas for Torebras' moment of hesitation. The Mayor ends up with his hand stuck in mid-air, teetering precariously himself. "Oh dear," he blusters, peering worriedly at Cordelia. "Are you all right?"
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey tries to have Cordelia land as softly as possible, and quickly straightens again. "Well met, Cordelia", he says, nodding to the woman, his rich voice betraying no emotion. "I have returned from a long trip, and sought some respite here at the pony. I hope the beer of Barliman is as good as last time I was here", he adds. As the woman poses her question, followed by Torebras's own words. "Mayor? Me?", he exclaims, and then bursts out laughing, so hard tears come to his eyes. "The people of bree, as the mayor says, will not have any but one of their own for mayor... as should be", he adds.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Well met, Grey," Cordelia replies, her dark eyes dancing with some amusement. "And thank you. Seems you have a knack for turning up at just the right time, no?"
"Mayor," the young woman then nods to Torebras. "I am fine, thank you. And why not Grey? He has been here in Bree so long, despite his trips, that he certainly is local, isn't he?" The Ranger's laughter seems to surprise Cordelia, for she blinks several times at the man, a puzzled smile coming to her face.
Torebras raises an eyebrow. "Really, Mister .. ah, Grey, was it?" he protests. "I can assure you that being Mayor of this town is no laughing matter." He tries to look haughty. "And Barliman's beer is excellent," he adds frostily.
Cordelia's words distract him somewhat. "I am relieved to hear you're unharmed," he responds, still frowning at Henleg as though the ranger were somehow responsible for this little incident. "And local is ... well, folk who are truly resident here, you know. Like yourself, Miss Wood," he tacks on hastily, seemingly having forgotten her absence the other year. "Not those who come and go."
The midday heat in the busy Common Room is stifling, and many of the patrons are far more interested in a cold beer than anything else. Others, however, turn to gawp at the scene where Cordelia stands by an overturned bench, saved from a nasty fall on the hard floor by that ranger Grey. Torebras' protests raise a few chuckles.
[Henleg(#20696)] "Certainly, being the Mayor of Bree is an honor, and a great burden also", grey says, as he nods to Torebras. "I, for one, would not dare run, for I am not one who stays at the same place for a long period of time. Being Mayor of Bree would certainly pin me to this Town", he adds. "Other, like Master Torebras, have the inclination for this job. I, however, do not".
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Local? Me?" Cordelia nearly chokes on the mayor's words, but then she swallows hard and forces a smile. "Well, yes, of course, and my mother's family is here and I live here. You are quite right, both of you. And the mayor's job is so difficult, after all." The dark-haired young woman ventures a quick sideways glance to Henleg to gauge his reaction.
[Ada(#23113)] In the scantiest attire that a good widow would allow herself (a linen blouse and dress with only one petticoat), the pawnbroker, Ada, enters the crowded scene. Her eyes are drawn to the scene around Cordelia and she catches the tail end of the unknown man's conversation about being Mayor. She hesitates between ordering at the bar and hearing more of what goes on with the present mayor. Fanning herself, she crosses the room opting for Torebras and company.
The ranger's reply clearly mollifies Torebras, for his frown softens. "A burden indeed," and he lifts a hand to mop at his brow. "But one I am willing to shoulder for my fellow Breelanders' sake." He draws himself up to his full height, puffing out his chest.
"Alas, it is hungry and thirsty work," he adds, waving his hat above his head to try and attract one of the servers. "Can I get you anything, Miss Wood, and ... er," his doubtful glance falls on the ranger as he realizes that politeness dictates he continue, "you, Mister Grey?"
Self-occupied as he is, he does not yet notice Ada.
[Henleg(#20696)] "A worthy work indeed", Grey comments, as he bends down to put the upturned chair back in its place. "I'd appreciate something to eat, and some beer also, good mayor", he adds, as he looks for a chair for himself.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Why thank you, Mayor," Cordelia smiles. "I have no appetite in this heat, but a cold ale would be just the thing. And I'm sure that Miss Ada would appreciate the same." She inclines her head toward that woman. "The heat is so oppressive, after all, and those of us who support the Mayor--despite family affiliations (she looks pointedly at Ada) are quite thirsty."
Cordelia goes on. "Why, though, Mr. Mayor, you should have a talk with the dwarves while they are still here. They are interested in that jewelry we were trying to sell. Yes, indeed. I might even go outside of Bree, if they are interested enough."
Torebras starts and looks in the direction Cordelia indicates, covering his mouth politely as he coughs at her words.
One of the serving staff, a plump and cheery hobbit lass, threads her way between the tables, and Torebras calls out to her, "Ah, Ivy. Two .. no, three ales, one beer and a cold meat platter for myself and my companions - oh, and some bread and some cheese ..."
Ordering done, he turns back to Cordelia and exclaims, "That is excellent news. Hmm, perhaps you should oversee the sale, Miss Wood? I'm quite run off my feet, what with this election."
[Henleg(#20696)] Having naught to say about the selling of jewelry or the election that seems so important to the people of bree, but that really is quite unimportant for him, Grey grabs a chair and sits. From the satchel that dangled from his sides he gets a small wooden pipe, and a small amount of pipeweed which he wedges into it. Soon, the sweet smell of burning pipeweed wafts from the Ranger's pipe, and a smokering or two are blown as Grey waits for his beer and the meat and cheese ordered by bree's Mayor.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "I still have my earring right here," Cordelia says, drawing out the dainty, filigree piece from a pocket. "If you have yours, Mr. Mayor. I will sell the m both. You will come with me to obtain more?"
The earring is no work of Bree or the dwarves or even elves. If Grey knows his stuff, he will recognize it as being from the Barrow Downs.
Torebras draws up a high stool - not for him a common bench - and sits himself down. As his nose catches the scent of pipeweed he pats at his pockets. His pipe emerges first, and with a sidelong glance at Grey he busies himself in lighting up. Only when he too has blown his first smoke-ring - a near-perfect circle - does he hunt for the earring. This he stares at for a long moment before placing it reluctantly in Cordelia's palm.
Ivy returns at this point, precariously balancing a full tray, which she sets down in front of Torebras with a bob of her head, only to be promptly called away before she can unload it.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Goodness, Mayor, don't give me that look," Cordelia says as she pockets both earrings. "I will make certain you get your fair share of the profits, you can be certain. And then...you and I can take a little journey, no?" She smiles sweetly, then reaches across the table to claim an ale. "Though for now I am going to drink this and then return to my job."
[Ada(#23113)] The pawnbroker's eyebrows rise and her eyes widen at the sight of the 'famous' earrings. Still, she is wise enough (perhaps) to keep her silence and watch the transaction. She gives the man who is buying a piercing glance. Will he know enough to have suspicions? her eyes would seem to say.
Torebras, busy reaching for the first ale, gives a startled jerk as Cordelia speaks, spilling some of it over his hand. "Hmm?" he mumbles round his pipe. "A little trip? Ah ... have this one, Miss Wood." He nobly pushes a different, unspilled, ale toward her then slides the slightly darker beer toward Grey. Which leaves one more ... He looks round just in time to catch Ada's piercing glance. "Is there a problem, Mistress Fiddlehead?"
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey's eyesd widen as he sees the earrings, and he takes a long pull on his pipe, releasing the smoke slowly. "Nice earrings, those", he comments to no one in particular, yet loud enough for Torebras, Cordelia, and many others to hear. "I didn't know Breefolk had such heirlooms from their families. I'd like to know the story of those, as they seem very old... and also, why would a family heirloom be parted like that, one earring for a hobbit, one for a human?", he asks
[Keldean(#23332)] It's not far behind his sister that Brenden Ferny is entering the common room. He's wiping his brow with a kerchief and hanging from his back is his young son, Benny, but the man looks happy enough. His mop of brown curls hangs loosely around his head and once inside he glances around curiously. "Quite the group here!" The man says cheerfully. "Ada.. " There's a friendly smile for his sister.
Brenden moves over to a bench and turns, "Climb down, son." He says in a mild tone, and waits for the boy to free himself from the perch, then stretches his arms in relief and shakes his shirt loose from where it's sticking to his back.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Why thank you, Mr. Mayor," Cordelia smiles some more as Torebras gives her the beer that didn't spill. She takes a few sips, then turns her brown eyes on Henleg. "I would be happy to tell you all the details of how the Mayor and I found these earrings--details that are well known, in fact. Give me but a little while to relax and have an ale, and I will be glad to answer all your questions." With that she inclines her head to the ranger and then has a seat on a chair to drink and listen.
[Ada(#23113)]
Ada takes her time to consider the Mayor's question scratching her neck, a faraway smile on her lips. She murmurs, "Why my very question!" to no one in particular then nods a greetings to the Mayor. She hears a familiar voice near her and turns till she finds its origin.
"Hello Brenden," she greets him holding up a hnad asking him to wait a moment.
Torebras' face is turned away from Grey and toward Ada it reddens, however, at the ranger's question. Clearing his throat, he nods to the pawnbroker and lifts the final ale for her to take, having set his pipe down on the table by this point. His polite smile shifts to a scowl at the sight of Brenden, and the Mayor does not offer to buy /him/ a drink.
Looking back to Grey at last, he answers a little defensively, "I will let Miss Wood tell you the tale of her earring. As to the one I hold, it was originally found near Staddle, and passed on to me."
By this point the lunchtime crowd gathered in the Pony has gone back to the serious business of eating and drinking - it's too hot to do much else - though one or two do glance up as Brenden Ferny enters. Is there to be a battle of words between the two would-be mayors?
[Keldean(#23332)] "Good afternoon.." Brenden responds to his sister, stuffing the damp cloth into his pocket as he turns to regard his son for a moment, speaking quiet instructions to the boy to mind his behavior before turning the six year old loose in the common room.
He turns to look at Torebras now, a grin crossing his face. "The election is almost here, Bywater? Are you ready to look for a new job?"
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey chuckles at the man's words of challenge to the hobbit, yet his chuckle is low, almost inaudible. "Well, I have seen things like those before... yet never in bree or the breelands", the ranger says, answering to Torebras. "That's why i asked, for it surprised me to see somethig like that here".
[Ada(#23113)] With a cordial nod for the ale and a fillip of a smile for the Mayor's red face, Ada lifts the proferred glass. "Aye, Miss Wood tells a lovely tale." She offers this information to no one in particular but her voice is loud enough for everyone in the group to hear. She gives a quick search to the room then whispers wistfully in an aside to her brother, "Send him to me, I haven't seen him in so long."
Torebras wastes no time in tucking in to the platter of cold meats, bread and cheese set down on the table. "Please, help yourselves," he murmurs around a mouthful.
At Brenden's query he raises an eyebrow. "I don't believe that will be necessary, Mister Ferny," he proclaims as haughtily as one can when staring at someone twice their size. "I am sure my services will still be much in demand." At Ada's comment his features, already red, turn near-purple.
Wound up as he is, he almost misses Grey's quiet answer almost, yet not quite. "Where, then, Mister Grey?" His own voice drops to little more than a murmur.
[Henleg(#20696)] "I have seen them in a dark place, a few days' ride from here", the Ranger replies, his voice now somber, his Sea-grey eyes twinkling. "Very dark indeed, where dark things live now... the Barrow Downs they are called, and I guess some of you may know the name. Bewitched things can be found there, and no good can come from them... only to bring misery they work now, things that once were beautiful to behold and posed no threat to Men", he adds, his voice slowly fading.
[Keldean(#23332)] Brenden's grin only widens. "Of course, Bywater.. you're one of the best customers for many a business around here. Especially the taverns. I'm wondering how you'll be paying for your lifestyle when you're no longer living off the taxes of the real workers of Bree."
Benny needs no urging from his father to greet his aunt, making a direct line for Ada to wrap her into a warm hug. Immediately the boy begins telling her all about his morning that involved fishing and catching frogs.
Torebras, leaning toward Grey, shivers suddenly despite the heat. His round face is grave. "You don't think that- that-" The remainder of the question goes unasked, for at that point Brenden speaks, and he gives a nervous little laugh. "Some of us have enough money of our own to be comfortably well off without dipping into the public purse. Is that how you're hoping to make a living, Ferny, stealing off the taxpayers? That would be quite outrageous!"
At this point a whiff of a rather acrid smell rises, and Torebras looks down to see his half-full pipe burning a scorch-mark on the table. "Oh dear!" he exclaims, actually going so far as to scrub at the mark with his fine red silk handkerchief to no avail. "I had better have a word with Ivy - and I think I will finish this outside. If you'll excuse me for a few minutes, friends." He smiles politely round at Grey, Cordelia and even Ada, gives a condescending nod to Brenden and heads off, ale in one hand, bread-and-meat in the other and smouldering pipe back in his mouth.
A midsized man in a light grey hooded cloak -- believe it or not -- tries to trip Torebras as he takes leave from the common room... but misses. The man chuckles, sidestepping someone else on their way out. He slips off to the side and takes a seat at a round table near the door, but leaves the hood of his cloak up. Leftovers from the mist falling out-of-doors rest lightly on the heather fabric of his cloak as he settles into his chair and has a look around the common room.
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey grows silent as the mayor leaves, yet there is a strange light in his eyes, and his brow is furrowed. He takes the beer in front of him and takes a long gulp, wiping some foam with the back of his hand.
Brenden only snickers as Torebras leaves, shaking his head. His brown eyes settle on Grey, brows lifting curiously. "New to Bree, sir?" He asks in a friendly fashion, though his gaze strays to the new arrival for a moment before returning to Grey. "Or maybe you've been through a few times and I've never properly met you.. The name is Brenden Ferny." He approaches to offer his hand in greeting.
Ferny -- that's the guy who just sat after trying to trip the mayor wannabe -- finally lowers his hood, revealing his identity to those others in the room who care to cast a glance in his direction. He quietly catches the attention of a serving maid and speaks with her, presumably ordering a this or a that for his lunchtime refreshment. He goes back quickly to perusing the people and actions taking place in the common room.
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey seems a bit taken aback by this show of friendship from aone of the breefolk... but he gets Brenden's hand with his own, giving it a firm shake. "I am known as Grey to those who live here and in the other three towns", he replies, giving the man a nod and a friendly smile. "As you say, i live not here, but many times I wander in, after hunting", he adds.
[Ada(#23113)] Ada scoops Benny up with as much enthusiasm as he wraps his arms around her. She swings him in the air and is able to ignore much of the comings and goings of the group. She nods to the Mayor and to the man she never quite got the name of. Swinging her nephew she turns and catches sight of another member of the family, someone she always called Uncle Ferny.
"Always glad to have folks coming through with trade, helping out the town." Brenden says after shaking Grey's hand. "Does hunting go well for you? No trouble with those bandits that folks keep talking about? That's one of the first things I plan to address when I'm in office."
Benny is more than delighted to get showered in attention by his aunt, and the six year-old laughs as she swings him about. He has little recognition for the distant relative and barely gives him a passing glance.
Presently a plate of some-thing-or-another is brought and set before Bill Ferny. He accepts it politely enough, and lowers his head to begin his noontime meal, but finds that the serving maid has not left him alone yet. In fact, shes standing with one hand on her hip and another outstretched between them, looking down at him with brows raised.
Slowly and dramatically, he raises his gaze, inclining his own brow to match hers. His eyes meet hers, and he lowers one brow, leaving his right one lifted, and he tilts his head but does not speak. He does not speak because she answers his question before he asks it. Her reply? "Mister Ferny, Master Butterbur respectfully asks for his payment before you enjoy his food, sir."
Her voice quivers, but her hand remains steady. This is not AT ALL the normal method of customer service at the Prancing Pony. Ferny scowls immediately, replying roughly, "And WHY pray tell would THAT be?!"
Whatever is going on on the other side of the room is of apparently no interest to Bill now that his impeccable reputation is being questioned."
[Henleg(#20696)] "Well, it hasn't been as good as before, but I get by", grey comments, as he leans back. "Now I barely catch enough game to eat, and perhaps bring a hide or two here to sell", he adds, shrugging a bit. But the Ranger's attention is soon diverted to the serving maid who's apparently having some problems with a customer. Well, it'd be a good time for a myor-to-be to prove his mettle, grey thinks, as he drinks some more beer.
"Sorry to hear that." Brenden replies, doing a fairly good job of appearing concerned for the hunter's plight. He, too, is distracted when the serving girl makes her demand. The canidate rubs his chin for a moment, then begins walking over to where the little dispute is taking place. "Aaaah.. Cousin, always good to see you. Are you just having lunch? Do you mind if I join you?" He gives the maid a sidelong glance, "Mind grabbing two more plates, for myself and my son?" He dips into a pocket to dredge some coins out.
"Because," the serving maid replies as Brenden approaches from behind her, standing her ground sternly now that her adrenaline is flowing freely. "You have walked out on three meals in a single fortnight! We all have to feed our families, Mister Ferny!"
Amazingly, Ferny doesn't reply with an argument -- perhaps the volume of the accusation and a quick glance at the onlookers gives the scoundrel pause. He scowls again, but quietly, and begins digging in his pocket.
"Fine," he says. "Let it never be said that the Ferny's are cheats! I've paid all my bills proper, but I'll pay them again if it makes Tub-of-butter happy! Hope he enjoys thieving from honest folk like me. Lucky for him there's naught to eat at my house right now, or I'd swear this place off, and for good!"
Presently, he produces a coin to the maid which would be properly described as astonishingly eye-catching. Shiny as it can be, and golden in tone, it is large and by the looks of it when he places it in her hand, it's heavy. "There! That should more than cover anything I've "stolen" from the good innkeeper before, as well as my lunch today and half the food in his stockrooms, I'll warrant. Now leave me be in peace, that I can enjoy this 'fine fare!'"
Seeing Brenden, Ferny quickly rebuts, "I'm well enough cousin -- and I've bought my own lunch, thanks ... and yours and Ada's and the rugrat's as well." With these last words he gestures toward Benny. "AND Longlegs there, to boot! Eat up everyone!" He returns his gaze and his fork to his plate and digs in.
[Cordelia(#24827)] Cordelia has remained impassive through all of this, but she speaks up now. "I did not find my earring in the place that you speak of, Grey. This was found in a meadow north of the gate here. No matter Miss Ada's suspicions."
[Cordelia(#24827)] As she speaks, Cordelia's eyes go briefly to Ferny. But only briefly.
While his sister is busy doting on his son, Brenden takes a seat at the table across from his cousin, sighing in relief at being off of his feet. "Thank you for lunch then, Bill. How are things going for you?" Though the question seems unneccessary with the coin the man just passed to the server. Brenden lifts his brows but says nothing about it.
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey shrugs at Cordelia, and after draining his beer, stands. "Beware of finding such things, Cordelia. They may bring sorrow instead of happiness", he says, and then makes for the door.
"'Well enough,' I said," replies the elder Ferny, ignoring the fact that he hadn't been asked til now. As the ranger leaves his demeanor seems to change, and he looks up at his cousin with more interest now. "How's things going with you getting into the mayor's office, lad?"
[Cordelia(#24827)] "I'll keep that advice in mind, sir," Cordelia nods as Grey leaves, not seeming at all flustered by the warning. She sets her sights on the table with the Ferny men, heading that way. "Good day."
Brenden looks faintly confused, but lets the strange response pass. When Bill changes the topic to his race for mayor the younger man grins. "I think I have a very good chance. A lot of people aren't happy with Bywater, so all I need to do is prove to them that I can't possibly do as poor a job as he is." When Cordelia approaches, Brenden inclines his chin. "Good day, Cordelia."
"Afternoon," is the arrid extent of Bill's greeting for Cordelia. He looks back to Brenden after speaking to the approaching lady. "Fine, fine. Good to hear. 'Bout time one of us can do something about the mis-appropriated mistrust these misguided Breefolk have for the Fernys. Looking forward to it lad."
He's about halfway through his food already, and digs in again right now -- apparently he's pretty hungry.
[Cordelia(#24827)] COrdelia frowns, not sitting, still holding her ale and sipping it. "I think the chances of Torebras getting re-elected are pretty good, Brenden," she shrugs. "He's been going around buying ales for everyone. And bad-mouthing you."
"Not doing any real work, as usual." Brenden mutters, rolling his eyes and giving Bill a significant glance. "Which is exactly what I keep trying to point out to folks. He can slander me all he wants but the polls will say who the people -really- want to run things."
"Exactly!" the elder Ferny says poignantly. "Exactly what I'm talking about! And let us not forget, Bywater's not innocent of ill deeds either!" He takes pause at his own words, then stands up abruptly. "Speaking of which....!" With no further explanation, Ferny leaves his mostly-eaten plate -- good thing he paid early -- and scoots quickly out the door with nary a fare-you-well.
This large and rectangular room serves the purpose of Common Room for the Prancing Pony. Large windows along the western end of the room peek out over the Great East Road which runs outside the Inn. There are long tables with bench seats for the patrons in the centre of the room. Nestled into the wall is a large fireplace with several bundles of wood piled next to it. Overhead, lamps hang down from roof beams, but their light is dim and half-veiled in smoke. The corners of the room are wrapped in shadow.
Obvious exits:
Out
================================== Bree Time ==================================
Real time: Thu Dec 11 14:14:01 2008
Bree time: Late Night <04:42:03> on Trewsday of Summer - August 29,1445
Moon Phase: New Moon
===============================================================================
Breelands Weather
The late night summer air is very hot and dry around you. The night sky is clear with only slight wisps of clouds overhead.
[Cordelia(#24827)] It's lunchtime on a hot and dry late August day, and the Common Room is packed with villagers and farmers and tradesmen and hobbits, all vying to get an ale that is at least slightly cold. Tucked onto a bench at the end of one of the center tables, Cordelia sits, desolately stirring her hot stew in the bowl before her. The day is too hot for stew, and the young woman looks as if she has no appetite at all, in fact. Her sleeves are rolled up, and her black hair is sticking to her sweaty forehead.
In strolls Torebras Bywater, fanning himself with his feathered hat. Over these past few weeks the Mayor has been busy visiting constituents old and young, voicing his opinions on matters as diverse as taxes, Outsiders, beer and general approachability, not to mention the supposed 'incompetence' of his rival. Now, as he enters, he is chatting to old Gaffer Haycorn. "Oh indeed, indeed. Why, the man can't even follow the proper procedure for setting up an ale festival!" At that latter event Torebras has been conspicuously absent.
Gaffer Haycorn looks desperate for escape, and slips quickly off to join the oldsters gathered round the bare fireplace, leaving Torebras without an audience. His eyes fall on Cordelia and he beams. "Ah, Miss Wood! How are you doing? Well, I hope."
[Henleg(#20696)] Outsiders! yes, there are some of those who're not of Bree, yet live nearby or, at least, come to bree a lot. one of them, indeed, comes in after the mayor, his Grey cloak stained with mud. His appearance is, as usual, not very welcome among the breefolk, who distrust those of his kind: Rangers, they call them, and it seems the name is foul in the mouths of the Breefolk when they call them thus. Grey removes his cloak, and then goes towards a lonely table near a corner, where he perhaps might enjoy a bit of food and drink.
[Cordelia(#24827)] It's just at that moment, as Grey starts to walk by, that Cordelia jumps up abruptly, narrowly avoiding the bowl of stew spilling over in her lap, but setting the bench she was sitting on flying backwards. The young woman flies over wtih it, threatening to land right on top of the Ranger!
Though Cordelia has opened her mouth to answer the mayor, no words come out--instead she squeaks as she starts to go over backwards.
Cordelia's squeak is echoed by another. "Miss Wood! Watch ou- oh! How absolutely dreadful!" Torebras exclaims, his brown eyes as round as saucers. He hesitates a moment - but there are all these people watching, and Helping a Person in Need always goes down well. Hat still in hand, the Mayor trots forward, his free hand outstretched to extricate the young woman from whatever tangle she ends up in.
[Henleg(#20696)] Well, it seems Grey isn't in for a peaceful afternoon, after all. A lass comes flying, literally, at him! Yet this Ranger has lived long in the lands about bree, and knows one thing or two about being able to speedily get out of harm's way. He gives a hop to a side, almost knocking a stocky hobbit who's eating in a nearby table, and avoids being bowled over by Cordelia. instead, he tries to break the lass's fall with his arms, and also to avoid Cordelia from causing havoc in the common room of the Pony.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "What?" Cordelia looks up, confused as she doesn't hit the ground but ends up caught by the Ranger. "Grey!" she blinks. "Are you running for office with the Mayor? I didn't know you were back in town."
Alas for Torebras' moment of hesitation. The Mayor ends up with his hand stuck in mid-air, teetering precariously himself. "Oh dear," he blusters, peering worriedly at Cordelia. "Are you all right?"
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey tries to have Cordelia land as softly as possible, and quickly straightens again. "Well met, Cordelia", he says, nodding to the woman, his rich voice betraying no emotion. "I have returned from a long trip, and sought some respite here at the pony. I hope the beer of Barliman is as good as last time I was here", he adds. As the woman poses her question, followed by Torebras's own words. "Mayor? Me?", he exclaims, and then bursts out laughing, so hard tears come to his eyes. "The people of bree, as the mayor says, will not have any but one of their own for mayor... as should be", he adds.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Well met, Grey," Cordelia replies, her dark eyes dancing with some amusement. "And thank you. Seems you have a knack for turning up at just the right time, no?"
"Mayor," the young woman then nods to Torebras. "I am fine, thank you. And why not Grey? He has been here in Bree so long, despite his trips, that he certainly is local, isn't he?" The Ranger's laughter seems to surprise Cordelia, for she blinks several times at the man, a puzzled smile coming to her face.
Torebras raises an eyebrow. "Really, Mister .. ah, Grey, was it?" he protests. "I can assure you that being Mayor of this town is no laughing matter." He tries to look haughty. "And Barliman's beer is excellent," he adds frostily.
Cordelia's words distract him somewhat. "I am relieved to hear you're unharmed," he responds, still frowning at Henleg as though the ranger were somehow responsible for this little incident. "And local is ... well, folk who are truly resident here, you know. Like yourself, Miss Wood," he tacks on hastily, seemingly having forgotten her absence the other year. "Not those who come and go."
The midday heat in the busy Common Room is stifling, and many of the patrons are far more interested in a cold beer than anything else. Others, however, turn to gawp at the scene where Cordelia stands by an overturned bench, saved from a nasty fall on the hard floor by that ranger Grey. Torebras' protests raise a few chuckles.
[Henleg(#20696)] "Certainly, being the Mayor of Bree is an honor, and a great burden also", grey says, as he nods to Torebras. "I, for one, would not dare run, for I am not one who stays at the same place for a long period of time. Being Mayor of Bree would certainly pin me to this Town", he adds. "Other, like Master Torebras, have the inclination for this job. I, however, do not".
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Local? Me?" Cordelia nearly chokes on the mayor's words, but then she swallows hard and forces a smile. "Well, yes, of course, and my mother's family is here and I live here. You are quite right, both of you. And the mayor's job is so difficult, after all." The dark-haired young woman ventures a quick sideways glance to Henleg to gauge his reaction.
[Ada(#23113)] In the scantiest attire that a good widow would allow herself (a linen blouse and dress with only one petticoat), the pawnbroker, Ada, enters the crowded scene. Her eyes are drawn to the scene around Cordelia and she catches the tail end of the unknown man's conversation about being Mayor. She hesitates between ordering at the bar and hearing more of what goes on with the present mayor. Fanning herself, she crosses the room opting for Torebras and company.
The ranger's reply clearly mollifies Torebras, for his frown softens. "A burden indeed," and he lifts a hand to mop at his brow. "But one I am willing to shoulder for my fellow Breelanders' sake." He draws himself up to his full height, puffing out his chest.
"Alas, it is hungry and thirsty work," he adds, waving his hat above his head to try and attract one of the servers. "Can I get you anything, Miss Wood, and ... er," his doubtful glance falls on the ranger as he realizes that politeness dictates he continue, "you, Mister Grey?"
Self-occupied as he is, he does not yet notice Ada.
[Henleg(#20696)] "A worthy work indeed", Grey comments, as he bends down to put the upturned chair back in its place. "I'd appreciate something to eat, and some beer also, good mayor", he adds, as he looks for a chair for himself.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Why thank you, Mayor," Cordelia smiles. "I have no appetite in this heat, but a cold ale would be just the thing. And I'm sure that Miss Ada would appreciate the same." She inclines her head toward that woman. "The heat is so oppressive, after all, and those of us who support the Mayor--despite family affiliations (she looks pointedly at Ada) are quite thirsty."
Cordelia goes on. "Why, though, Mr. Mayor, you should have a talk with the dwarves while they are still here. They are interested in that jewelry we were trying to sell. Yes, indeed. I might even go outside of Bree, if they are interested enough."
Torebras starts and looks in the direction Cordelia indicates, covering his mouth politely as he coughs at her words.
One of the serving staff, a plump and cheery hobbit lass, threads her way between the tables, and Torebras calls out to her, "Ah, Ivy. Two .. no, three ales, one beer and a cold meat platter for myself and my companions - oh, and some bread and some cheese ..."
Ordering done, he turns back to Cordelia and exclaims, "That is excellent news. Hmm, perhaps you should oversee the sale, Miss Wood? I'm quite run off my feet, what with this election."
[Henleg(#20696)] Having naught to say about the selling of jewelry or the election that seems so important to the people of bree, but that really is quite unimportant for him, Grey grabs a chair and sits. From the satchel that dangled from his sides he gets a small wooden pipe, and a small amount of pipeweed which he wedges into it. Soon, the sweet smell of burning pipeweed wafts from the Ranger's pipe, and a smokering or two are blown as Grey waits for his beer and the meat and cheese ordered by bree's Mayor.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "I still have my earring right here," Cordelia says, drawing out the dainty, filigree piece from a pocket. "If you have yours, Mr. Mayor. I will sell the m both. You will come with me to obtain more?"
The earring is no work of Bree or the dwarves or even elves. If Grey knows his stuff, he will recognize it as being from the Barrow Downs.
Torebras draws up a high stool - not for him a common bench - and sits himself down. As his nose catches the scent of pipeweed he pats at his pockets. His pipe emerges first, and with a sidelong glance at Grey he busies himself in lighting up. Only when he too has blown his first smoke-ring - a near-perfect circle - does he hunt for the earring. This he stares at for a long moment before placing it reluctantly in Cordelia's palm.
Ivy returns at this point, precariously balancing a full tray, which she sets down in front of Torebras with a bob of her head, only to be promptly called away before she can unload it.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Goodness, Mayor, don't give me that look," Cordelia says as she pockets both earrings. "I will make certain you get your fair share of the profits, you can be certain. And then...you and I can take a little journey, no?" She smiles sweetly, then reaches across the table to claim an ale. "Though for now I am going to drink this and then return to my job."
[Ada(#23113)] The pawnbroker's eyebrows rise and her eyes widen at the sight of the 'famous' earrings. Still, she is wise enough (perhaps) to keep her silence and watch the transaction. She gives the man who is buying a piercing glance. Will he know enough to have suspicions? her eyes would seem to say.
Torebras, busy reaching for the first ale, gives a startled jerk as Cordelia speaks, spilling some of it over his hand. "Hmm?" he mumbles round his pipe. "A little trip? Ah ... have this one, Miss Wood." He nobly pushes a different, unspilled, ale toward her then slides the slightly darker beer toward Grey. Which leaves one more ... He looks round just in time to catch Ada's piercing glance. "Is there a problem, Mistress Fiddlehead?"
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey's eyesd widen as he sees the earrings, and he takes a long pull on his pipe, releasing the smoke slowly. "Nice earrings, those", he comments to no one in particular, yet loud enough for Torebras, Cordelia, and many others to hear. "I didn't know Breefolk had such heirlooms from their families. I'd like to know the story of those, as they seem very old... and also, why would a family heirloom be parted like that, one earring for a hobbit, one for a human?", he asks
[Keldean(#23332)] It's not far behind his sister that Brenden Ferny is entering the common room. He's wiping his brow with a kerchief and hanging from his back is his young son, Benny, but the man looks happy enough. His mop of brown curls hangs loosely around his head and once inside he glances around curiously. "Quite the group here!" The man says cheerfully. "Ada.. " There's a friendly smile for his sister.
Brenden moves over to a bench and turns, "Climb down, son." He says in a mild tone, and waits for the boy to free himself from the perch, then stretches his arms in relief and shakes his shirt loose from where it's sticking to his back.
[Cordelia(#24827)] "Why thank you, Mr. Mayor," Cordelia smiles some more as Torebras gives her the beer that didn't spill. She takes a few sips, then turns her brown eyes on Henleg. "I would be happy to tell you all the details of how the Mayor and I found these earrings--details that are well known, in fact. Give me but a little while to relax and have an ale, and I will be glad to answer all your questions." With that she inclines her head to the ranger and then has a seat on a chair to drink and listen.
[Ada(#23113)]
Ada takes her time to consider the Mayor's question scratching her neck, a faraway smile on her lips. She murmurs, "Why my very question!" to no one in particular then nods a greetings to the Mayor. She hears a familiar voice near her and turns till she finds its origin.
"Hello Brenden," she greets him holding up a hnad asking him to wait a moment.
Torebras' face is turned away from Grey and toward Ada it reddens, however, at the ranger's question. Clearing his throat, he nods to the pawnbroker and lifts the final ale for her to take, having set his pipe down on the table by this point. His polite smile shifts to a scowl at the sight of Brenden, and the Mayor does not offer to buy /him/ a drink.
Looking back to Grey at last, he answers a little defensively, "I will let Miss Wood tell you the tale of her earring. As to the one I hold, it was originally found near Staddle, and passed on to me."
By this point the lunchtime crowd gathered in the Pony has gone back to the serious business of eating and drinking - it's too hot to do much else - though one or two do glance up as Brenden Ferny enters. Is there to be a battle of words between the two would-be mayors?
[Keldean(#23332)] "Good afternoon.." Brenden responds to his sister, stuffing the damp cloth into his pocket as he turns to regard his son for a moment, speaking quiet instructions to the boy to mind his behavior before turning the six year old loose in the common room.
He turns to look at Torebras now, a grin crossing his face. "The election is almost here, Bywater? Are you ready to look for a new job?"
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey chuckles at the man's words of challenge to the hobbit, yet his chuckle is low, almost inaudible. "Well, I have seen things like those before... yet never in bree or the breelands", the ranger says, answering to Torebras. "That's why i asked, for it surprised me to see somethig like that here".
[Ada(#23113)] With a cordial nod for the ale and a fillip of a smile for the Mayor's red face, Ada lifts the proferred glass. "Aye, Miss Wood tells a lovely tale." She offers this information to no one in particular but her voice is loud enough for everyone in the group to hear. She gives a quick search to the room then whispers wistfully in an aside to her brother, "Send him to me, I haven't seen him in so long."
Torebras wastes no time in tucking in to the platter of cold meats, bread and cheese set down on the table. "Please, help yourselves," he murmurs around a mouthful.
At Brenden's query he raises an eyebrow. "I don't believe that will be necessary, Mister Ferny," he proclaims as haughtily as one can when staring at someone twice their size. "I am sure my services will still be much in demand." At Ada's comment his features, already red, turn near-purple.
Wound up as he is, he almost misses Grey's quiet answer almost, yet not quite. "Where, then, Mister Grey?" His own voice drops to little more than a murmur.
[Henleg(#20696)] "I have seen them in a dark place, a few days' ride from here", the Ranger replies, his voice now somber, his Sea-grey eyes twinkling. "Very dark indeed, where dark things live now... the Barrow Downs they are called, and I guess some of you may know the name. Bewitched things can be found there, and no good can come from them... only to bring misery they work now, things that once were beautiful to behold and posed no threat to Men", he adds, his voice slowly fading.
[Keldean(#23332)] Brenden's grin only widens. "Of course, Bywater.. you're one of the best customers for many a business around here. Especially the taverns. I'm wondering how you'll be paying for your lifestyle when you're no longer living off the taxes of the real workers of Bree."
Benny needs no urging from his father to greet his aunt, making a direct line for Ada to wrap her into a warm hug. Immediately the boy begins telling her all about his morning that involved fishing and catching frogs.
Torebras, leaning toward Grey, shivers suddenly despite the heat. His round face is grave. "You don't think that- that-" The remainder of the question goes unasked, for at that point Brenden speaks, and he gives a nervous little laugh. "Some of us have enough money of our own to be comfortably well off without dipping into the public purse. Is that how you're hoping to make a living, Ferny, stealing off the taxpayers? That would be quite outrageous!"
At this point a whiff of a rather acrid smell rises, and Torebras looks down to see his half-full pipe burning a scorch-mark on the table. "Oh dear!" he exclaims, actually going so far as to scrub at the mark with his fine red silk handkerchief to no avail. "I had better have a word with Ivy - and I think I will finish this outside. If you'll excuse me for a few minutes, friends." He smiles politely round at Grey, Cordelia and even Ada, gives a condescending nod to Brenden and heads off, ale in one hand, bread-and-meat in the other and smouldering pipe back in his mouth.
A midsized man in a light grey hooded cloak -- believe it or not -- tries to trip Torebras as he takes leave from the common room... but misses. The man chuckles, sidestepping someone else on their way out. He slips off to the side and takes a seat at a round table near the door, but leaves the hood of his cloak up. Leftovers from the mist falling out-of-doors rest lightly on the heather fabric of his cloak as he settles into his chair and has a look around the common room.
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey grows silent as the mayor leaves, yet there is a strange light in his eyes, and his brow is furrowed. He takes the beer in front of him and takes a long gulp, wiping some foam with the back of his hand.
Brenden only snickers as Torebras leaves, shaking his head. His brown eyes settle on Grey, brows lifting curiously. "New to Bree, sir?" He asks in a friendly fashion, though his gaze strays to the new arrival for a moment before returning to Grey. "Or maybe you've been through a few times and I've never properly met you.. The name is Brenden Ferny." He approaches to offer his hand in greeting.
Ferny -- that's the guy who just sat after trying to trip the mayor wannabe -- finally lowers his hood, revealing his identity to those others in the room who care to cast a glance in his direction. He quietly catches the attention of a serving maid and speaks with her, presumably ordering a this or a that for his lunchtime refreshment. He goes back quickly to perusing the people and actions taking place in the common room.
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey seems a bit taken aback by this show of friendship from aone of the breefolk... but he gets Brenden's hand with his own, giving it a firm shake. "I am known as Grey to those who live here and in the other three towns", he replies, giving the man a nod and a friendly smile. "As you say, i live not here, but many times I wander in, after hunting", he adds.
[Ada(#23113)] Ada scoops Benny up with as much enthusiasm as he wraps his arms around her. She swings him in the air and is able to ignore much of the comings and goings of the group. She nods to the Mayor and to the man she never quite got the name of. Swinging her nephew she turns and catches sight of another member of the family, someone she always called Uncle Ferny.
"Always glad to have folks coming through with trade, helping out the town." Brenden says after shaking Grey's hand. "Does hunting go well for you? No trouble with those bandits that folks keep talking about? That's one of the first things I plan to address when I'm in office."
Benny is more than delighted to get showered in attention by his aunt, and the six year-old laughs as she swings him about. He has little recognition for the distant relative and barely gives him a passing glance.
Presently a plate of some-thing-or-another is brought and set before Bill Ferny. He accepts it politely enough, and lowers his head to begin his noontime meal, but finds that the serving maid has not left him alone yet. In fact, shes standing with one hand on her hip and another outstretched between them, looking down at him with brows raised.
Slowly and dramatically, he raises his gaze, inclining his own brow to match hers. His eyes meet hers, and he lowers one brow, leaving his right one lifted, and he tilts his head but does not speak. He does not speak because she answers his question before he asks it. Her reply? "Mister Ferny, Master Butterbur respectfully asks for his payment before you enjoy his food, sir."
Her voice quivers, but her hand remains steady. This is not AT ALL the normal method of customer service at the Prancing Pony. Ferny scowls immediately, replying roughly, "And WHY pray tell would THAT be?!"
Whatever is going on on the other side of the room is of apparently no interest to Bill now that his impeccable reputation is being questioned."
[Henleg(#20696)] "Well, it hasn't been as good as before, but I get by", grey comments, as he leans back. "Now I barely catch enough game to eat, and perhaps bring a hide or two here to sell", he adds, shrugging a bit. But the Ranger's attention is soon diverted to the serving maid who's apparently having some problems with a customer. Well, it'd be a good time for a myor-to-be to prove his mettle, grey thinks, as he drinks some more beer.
"Sorry to hear that." Brenden replies, doing a fairly good job of appearing concerned for the hunter's plight. He, too, is distracted when the serving girl makes her demand. The canidate rubs his chin for a moment, then begins walking over to where the little dispute is taking place. "Aaaah.. Cousin, always good to see you. Are you just having lunch? Do you mind if I join you?" He gives the maid a sidelong glance, "Mind grabbing two more plates, for myself and my son?" He dips into a pocket to dredge some coins out.
"Because," the serving maid replies as Brenden approaches from behind her, standing her ground sternly now that her adrenaline is flowing freely. "You have walked out on three meals in a single fortnight! We all have to feed our families, Mister Ferny!"
Amazingly, Ferny doesn't reply with an argument -- perhaps the volume of the accusation and a quick glance at the onlookers gives the scoundrel pause. He scowls again, but quietly, and begins digging in his pocket.
"Fine," he says. "Let it never be said that the Ferny's are cheats! I've paid all my bills proper, but I'll pay them again if it makes Tub-of-butter happy! Hope he enjoys thieving from honest folk like me. Lucky for him there's naught to eat at my house right now, or I'd swear this place off, and for good!"
Presently, he produces a coin to the maid which would be properly described as astonishingly eye-catching. Shiny as it can be, and golden in tone, it is large and by the looks of it when he places it in her hand, it's heavy. "There! That should more than cover anything I've "stolen" from the good innkeeper before, as well as my lunch today and half the food in his stockrooms, I'll warrant. Now leave me be in peace, that I can enjoy this 'fine fare!'"
Seeing Brenden, Ferny quickly rebuts, "I'm well enough cousin -- and I've bought my own lunch, thanks ... and yours and Ada's and the rugrat's as well." With these last words he gestures toward Benny. "AND Longlegs there, to boot! Eat up everyone!" He returns his gaze and his fork to his plate and digs in.
[Cordelia(#24827)] Cordelia has remained impassive through all of this, but she speaks up now. "I did not find my earring in the place that you speak of, Grey. This was found in a meadow north of the gate here. No matter Miss Ada's suspicions."
[Cordelia(#24827)] As she speaks, Cordelia's eyes go briefly to Ferny. But only briefly.
While his sister is busy doting on his son, Brenden takes a seat at the table across from his cousin, sighing in relief at being off of his feet. "Thank you for lunch then, Bill. How are things going for you?" Though the question seems unneccessary with the coin the man just passed to the server. Brenden lifts his brows but says nothing about it.
[Henleg(#20696)] Grey shrugs at Cordelia, and after draining his beer, stands. "Beware of finding such things, Cordelia. They may bring sorrow instead of happiness", he says, and then makes for the door.
"'Well enough,' I said," replies the elder Ferny, ignoring the fact that he hadn't been asked til now. As the ranger leaves his demeanor seems to change, and he looks up at his cousin with more interest now. "How's things going with you getting into the mayor's office, lad?"
[Cordelia(#24827)] "I'll keep that advice in mind, sir," Cordelia nods as Grey leaves, not seeming at all flustered by the warning. She sets her sights on the table with the Ferny men, heading that way. "Good day."
Brenden looks faintly confused, but lets the strange response pass. When Bill changes the topic to his race for mayor the younger man grins. "I think I have a very good chance. A lot of people aren't happy with Bywater, so all I need to do is prove to them that I can't possibly do as poor a job as he is." When Cordelia approaches, Brenden inclines his chin. "Good day, Cordelia."
"Afternoon," is the arrid extent of Bill's greeting for Cordelia. He looks back to Brenden after speaking to the approaching lady. "Fine, fine. Good to hear. 'Bout time one of us can do something about the mis-appropriated mistrust these misguided Breefolk have for the Fernys. Looking forward to it lad."
He's about halfway through his food already, and digs in again right now -- apparently he's pretty hungry.
[Cordelia(#24827)] COrdelia frowns, not sitting, still holding her ale and sipping it. "I think the chances of Torebras getting re-elected are pretty good, Brenden," she shrugs. "He's been going around buying ales for everyone. And bad-mouthing you."
"Not doing any real work, as usual." Brenden mutters, rolling his eyes and giving Bill a significant glance. "Which is exactly what I keep trying to point out to folks. He can slander me all he wants but the polls will say who the people -really- want to run things."
"Exactly!" the elder Ferny says poignantly. "Exactly what I'm talking about! And let us not forget, Bywater's not innocent of ill deeds either!" He takes pause at his own words, then stands up abruptly. "Speaking of which....!" With no further explanation, Ferny leaves his mostly-eaten plate -- good thing he paid early -- and scoots quickly out the door with nary a fare-you-well.
Players: Cordelia, Torebras, Grey, Henleg, Ada, Brenden, Ferny
