(Archive) Golden Perch Re-Opening

Golden Perch Re-Opening

RL Date: RL (Arizona) time is Mon May 20 19:39:10 2002 (+time).

MUSH Date: Monday Thrimidge (May) 1, 1426 S.R.

Culture: Shirefolk

Participating Players: Talvo, Maggot, Oliver, Tassia, Dahlia, Saphire, Freesia, Chervil, Finigrin, Baltobras, Ivy, Sulo, Fraibert, and Thilo

Location(s): Golden Perch Inn, Stock, the Shire

Description: The re-opening party of the Golden Perch Inn at Stock, to celebrate its new ownership to Talvo Hornblower.

//The Golden Perch

When you look around the Perch, your attention goes straight to the bar. Dozens of bottles fill shelves behind the bar, containing all sorts of wines and spirits. On the right side of this, four barrels, with taps at the bottom sit on high tables, presumably containing ales and beers. On the other side a door leads off into somewhere, probably a storeroom or a kitchen, or both. Up above the bar, a shelf hangs from the ceiling. Glasses and mugs sit on top of the shelf, while wine glasses hang upside down from the bottom of it.

On the opposite side of the room is clear floor space meant for dancing. On the wall here is a large, stuffed Golden Perch. The wall to the left of this has several paintings of the Marish Area, as well as a set of stairs leading up. Clean, polished tables fill the rest of the room.

Along with the usual decor of the Inn, streamers and ribbons of all sorts are hung. A sky-blue banner is hung carefully across the front of the bar, the words \"Golden Perch - Grand Reopening\" printed upon it in a gold. Yellow and blue streamers are hung around the walls, and a small sign above the bar announces: \"All drinks Free! Tonight only!\"

IC Weather Conditions

Though there is no rain, a low fog has descended upon the Shire, obscuring vision and settling in the valleys on this Thrimidge day.//

Talvo Hornblower leans on the end of the bar, slightly obsuring the banner hung across its front. A large mug of ale, almost full, stands just in front of him, along with a large plate covered in seedcakes. Pulling his pocket watch from inside his waistcoat, he peers down at the face for a moment before turning to the group of assembled hobbits. Clearing his throat loudly to shush the gathered people, he begins to speak, though a little uneasily. \"Ladies and Gentlehobbits - and Longbeards - welcome to the Grand Reopening of the Golden Perch Inn!\" His cheeks are a little redened as he takes a quick sip of his ale before continuing, \"Well, as you can see on the sign, all the drinks are free tonight, so… Enjoy yourselves! To the Golden Perch!\" Nodding his head, Talvo begins to smile a little more now, taking a large sip of his ale.

Maggot enters the Inn and is taken aback at the crowd. \"Marin! Quite a party going on. How about one of those free ales eh?\"

From Bar, Marin slides a full mug of ale along the bar to Maggot.

Catching the door as another hobbit enters, a cloaked hobbit lady enters. Letting go of the door, it shuts slowly behind her, allowing the foggy outside, to \'dissapear\' for the time being. Pushing back the hood of her cloak gently, she reveals herself as Dahlia Bolger. Brushing a few curls out of her face, she removes her cloak quickly, and hangs it on a peg near the door. Turning around, a large smile spreads across her face, as Talvo finishes his speech. Moving over towards the bar, she calls cheerfully to Talvo, \"Hello Mister Hornblower!\" Stopping as she reaches the place at the bar, where Talvo stands, she offers a friendly smile, \"Lovely Party! she exclaims glancing around.

From Bar, Marin busies himself filling mugs of ale and beer for the celebration.

Struggling to make it through the door of the Golden Perch. Oliver Brandybuck finally makes his way in and holds the door open for his cousin Saphire Brandybuck to enter.

From the Bar, Marin says, \"On the house folks! All you can drink. Help yourself everyone.\"

Saphire enters with a smile. \"Thank you cousin. May what a big turn out. Course with free ale, what hobbit wouldn come.\" Comes after the lass looks around at the gathering crowd as the door closes. She takes her cousin by the hand and leads them to the bar. \"Hello Mr. Talvo.\" She greets as she walks by.

Maggot makes his way from the bar to an open seat carrying his ale, trying not to get it spilled as he does.

The door bursts open and a cloaked hobbit enters. She flings back her hood as the door closes, revealing her face. It\'s Freesia Brandybuck. She smiles and her eyes are shining as she walks over to the bar and orders a cup of coffee, waving to those already in the Perch. She is quite energetic tonight, and she has many tiny pink flowers in her dark wavy hair. She turns her head quickly to look at the other guests and a small flower falls out.

From the doorway, a rather short (even for a hobbit) young lady enters. Her long auburn curls glisten from the fog, as she has forgotten to wear her cloak. \"Mister Hornblower!\" Chervil Burrows says laughingly as she enters the room, \"Congratulations on your Grand Reopening!\" She glances around the room, taking in the streamers and festive party decorations. Smiling widely, she makes her way to a nearby group of hobbits and soon can be heard laughing merrily.

\"Hello hello Mr Hornblower. Quite busy today are you not.\" Leaning in towards Talvo, Oliver chuckles \"Could I have a mug of your Dwarvish brew Mr Hornblower? I have taken a fancy to it you know.\"

Talvo smiles broadly, \"Hello, Miss Bolger. Glad you could make it. Can I get you a drink?\" Turning to face the bar, Talvo calls for Marin\'s attention. \"Ah, Hello, Miss Brandybuck, Mister Brandybuck, good to see you here! What would you like to drink, all free, remember? Oh, and do help yourselves to seedcakes, too…\" Talvo motions to the large plate by his elbow he seems a little more in the party spirit now, guzzling his ale, he nods to Oliver and slides a mug of frothy brew over to him, \"There you are, Oliver. A lot o\' people have taking a liking to it, good stuff!\"

\"I hope I haven\'t missed any chance of a free ale…\" Finigrin Brandybuck grumbles as he pushes open the door of the Golden Perch. \"We set out a bit later than I\'d hoped…\" As he shuffles into the crowded room he glances around, lips curling into a smirk as he spies the banner announcing free drinks. He turns to face a hobbit lass that has apparently followed him in. \"Eh, I suppose there wasn\'t much cause fer rush, after all, Tass. I don\'t know about you, but I\'m fixin\' to take advantage of the free drinks.\" With a wink he adds, \"As I say, the only thing better\'n\' an ale is a free ale!\"

Baltobras opens the door and ushers in Ivy Boffin and her brother Tosco. \"Ah, the Perch is resplendent!\" He busies himself taking Ivy\'s cloak and hanging up his own. \"Look about, dear Miss Boffin, and tell me if you have ever seen as snug a place in all your life! And here is our new proprietor!\" He offers his arm to Ivy. \"Let\'s give him our greetings!\"

Tassia smiles as the hobbit lad cracks jokes about the ale. Turning to scan the quickly filling room, she spots Talvo. She leaves Fini\'s side and while removing her coat, makes her way across the bar to the host of the evening.

Taking a sip of the frothy mug in front of himself Oliver looks to Saphire and points to a empty table with a cake filled hand. \"Want to grab a table cousin before they are all taken?\"

From the Bar, Marin takes a dark bottle from a shelf and begins filling brandy glasses. Placing them onto a tray he slides them to the end of the bar and turns to face Saphire. \"Can I get you a drink, Miss?\" he asks, reaching for a mug.

\"Tea would be lovely, it is avalible of course.\" Dahlia says with a grin, \"Congratulations on your Reopening! It really is wonderful!\" Glancing towards the plate of seedcakes, she takes one and begins to nibble at it. Looking to Oliver and Saphire, she smiles, \"Hello Mister Brandybuck! Miss Brandybuck! It is wonderful to see you both!\" Turning back to Talvo, she smiles, \"How have you been?\"

\"I\'ll just have some water it that\'s alright. Ale doesn\'t seem to agree with my stomach these past couple of days.\" Saphire asks Talvo with a small smile. After hearing Balto\'s voice over the crowed she looks around for Ivy. Sure enough she spies Ivy and her brother. \"Exscuse me for a second Talvo and Oliver.\" With a smile she set off towards the door. \"IVY!!\" She calls over the crowd as she made her way to her. \"It\'s great to see you, and Tosco, too.\" Saphy hugs Ivy.

From the Bar, Marin frowns slightly, but sits a teapot and cup out on the counter, followed by a pitcher of water and a glass.

Ivy takes Baltobras\' arm lightly, her eyes sparkling as she looks at streamers and the beautiful blue banner announcing the grand re-opening. Her contented grin quickly breaks in to a delighted smile. \"Oh, my! It does look wonderful!\" She snugs his arm a little closer, and looks up at him, \"And quite cozy!\" As Saphire rushes up to them, Ivy smiles brightly and throws her arms around Saphire, \"Saphire, luv! It has been soo long!\"

Tosco bows and grins, \"Miss Saphire.\" he says to the hobbit lass.

Nodding to Saphire as she leaves to welcome her friends Oliver calls after her. \"I will be at the table cousin. Join me later with your friends if you like.\"

Maggot sits quietly in a corner of the room, watching the goings on.

Smiles as she watches the newcomers enter and the hustle and bustle go about her. She turns to her coffee and sips it slowly. Freesia picks up her coffee and goes to sit at an unoccupied table for four. She smiles to herself at some amusing thought. Sighing and picking up her fallen flower, she looks around at all the happy hobbits.

Tass slows her pace as the room crowds even further. Picking her steps carefully, avoiding small groups of gaily laughing hobbits, she finally arrives at the bar. \"Congratuations, Talvo… you have quite the turnout here! And with the fog and everything…\" Tass drapes her cloak over the bar stool as she begins to chat with the new owner.

Saphire smiles to Ivy \"Yes it has.\" Her head turns when Oliver calls to her and she nods. \"Here, Oliver has saved us a table. We can chat there come on.\" She eagerly took Ivy\'s hand and lead the small group to the table. \"Thanks for saving us a table Oli.\" She replies as she takes a seat next to him. \"Please sit you three.\"

Turning to Dahlia Bolger and giving a small bow in the cramped surroundings Oliver grins. \"Hullo Ms Bolger how are you would you care to join me at a table?\" Pointing out the table again he grasp the glass of water Marin poured for Saphire and, begins to move through the crowd of hobbits expressing there good wishes to the new owner.

Talvo smiles and nods to Dahlia, taking another sip from his ale. \"Would you like to sit down? The tables are filling fast, and arent likley to clear til the ale runs dry..\" Grinning he walks slowly towards one of the many tables, but stops as he hears his name. \"Ah, Miss Proudfoot, wonderful to see you again! Aye, not a bad turnout indeed still, I don\'t know many hobbits who wouldn\'t venture into fog for a night of free ale..\" With a slight grin, Talvo motions towards the table he was heading to and asks, \"Would you care to join us? Oh, sorry, how rude of me.. Would you like a drink?\"

Baltobras beams at Saphire. \"Coz! How have you been? And how is your charming Applejacks?\" He gives Saphire a hug as soon as Ivy releases her. \"Come have a spot of something with us. Miss Boffin, what is your pleasure? Ale? Or a draught of wine? Or maybe just some tea?\" Balto presses Ivy\'s arm tenderly. \"We have been up north so long, I thought we should never see the Perch again.\"

Tass shakes her head of copper curls. \"Not rude at all… I would love to join you. And a glass of the finest wine, if you don\'t mind. I\'m not that big on ale. I\'m afraid I\'m still not quite recovered from my injury yesterday…

Reaching the table and placing the seedcakes and Saphire\'s glass of water on the top Oliver waves to the approaching Baltobras and companions. \"Hello cousin come join me. How have you been and, who is this lady on your arm? he ask as he bows in greeting to Ivy.

Tass shakes her head of copper curls. \"Not rude at all… I would love to join you. And a glass of the finest wine, if you don\'t mind. I\'m not that big on ale. I\'m afraid I\'m still not quite recovered from my injury yesterday… ah, but that is another story…\" Her head falls forward to hide the embarrasment that rises to blush her cheek. After a moment, she looks up again. \"And who will we be joining?\"

From the Bar, Marin wipes the sweat from his brow as he labors to keep the mugs full and fill the special orders.

Ivy\'s cheeks colour lightly when Baltobras mentions being up north, then smiles at him when Saphire grabs her other hand and leads them to the table where Oliver is sitting. On their way over, she whispers to Baltobras, \"Yes…I could have stayed there forever…but I am so glad we came!\" Looking over her shoulder at Tosco, Ivy calls out, \"Don\'t stay at the bar too long, dear…you will join us later?\"

Tosco looks up from his mug of ale and holds it aloft smiling and nodding in agreement, \"Don\'t worry, little sis, I\'ll be over…\" he winks and turns back to Marin for a refill.

Glancing between the two gentlhobbits, Dahlia smiles. \"I may join you later, Mister Brandybuck. Thank you very much for the invitation. Shifting her gaze back towards Talvo, she nods, \"I would love to join you.\" she says, before following him towards a table. Stopping as they reach Tassia, she smiles, \"Hello Miss Proudfoot! How lovely to see you!\"

Sulo waves at Talvo while hanging up his cloak and hat.

Baltobras smiles at Oliver. \"Ivy Boffin, may I present my cousin Oliver Brandybuck? Oliver was the first one to catch a giant trout at the Bywater Pool, if you remember my story. Oliver, here is Miss Ivy Boffin, who a few weeks after we went fishing, caught an equally magnificent fish in the same spot. I comment your fishing to each other, as mine was completely insignificant beside both catches! But, Cousin Oliver, I am after a bigger catch yet….as you may guess by our being together.\" He winks and chuckles.

Talvo nods his head to Marin, who already has a wine glass ready for Tassia. \"Ah, myself and Miss Bolger, and any others who happen to wish to join us a party is always better ith more friends.\" Noticing someone waving at him from near the door, Talvo smiles and waves back. \"Hello, Mister Banks! We were just about to sit down once you\'ve got yourself a drink, please feel free to join us over here..\" He motions towards a table before his gaze turns back to Dahlia and Tassia. With a smile, Talvo says, \"After you, ladies..\"

Approaching the bar, Sulo asks for some ale adding, \"Sure is foggy out tonight. Still, it was a nice walk from Bywater.\"

Maggot approaches the bar to get a refill and overhears Sulo. \"You walked from Bywater? Must have stopped for the night somewhere then? Where did you stay lad?\"

Saphire giggles and reaches for her glass of water that Oliver braught to the table. \"Balto-luv May I barrow Ivy for a moment? I would like to show her something.\" She smiles and becons Ivy to sit across from her.

Tassia nods to Dahlia. \"Miss Bolger. Nice to see you as well.\" Turning to Marin, she takes the glass from his outstretched hand. \"Thank you, Marin, and Talvo. I do agree, parties are so wonderful! I cannot think of a better use of my time!\"

Moving towards the table, with Tassia and Talvo, Dahlia begins to seat herself, \"Oh! I have forgotten my tea!. If you will excuse me for a moment.\" Turning she quikly hurries back towards the bar, where her tea was waiting.

Brightening at the mention of fishing Oliver breaks out into a loud chuckle at Baltobras\'s reference to bigger catch. \"Ha ha really cousin.\" Waving to the seats at the table he smiles again. \"Care to have a seat then friends?\"

Ivy curtseys and smiles at Oliver, stifling a giggle at Baltobras\' wink. Her head turns to the side and her eyes squint ever so slightly, \"Mr. Oliver, I feel like we\'ve met before…was it the kite-flying festival?\" Before he answers she turns again to Baltobras, \"I\'m sorry…I forgot to answer you! I would like some mead if you can find some…but if not, a pale mug of ale, please…\"

Maggot nods to Sulo, \"Yes, Frogmorton, the Floating Log is the spot! Arlo owns the place. Always a pleasure whenever I manage to get there myself.\" He grabs another ale and leans on the bar.

Taking his first ale, Sulo obviously enjoys the first draught. Pausing to wipe the suds off his lips he says, \"Do you get to stay at the Floating Log much?\"

Baltobras seats Ivy at the table. \"I shall see if I can find some mead….and I\'ll greet Talvo for us along the way. Just stay here with Saphire and Oliver, if you would, so I can find you!\" He hurries off to the bar.

Maggot sips his ale and shakes his head no to Sulo\'s query. \"No, I don\'t get out of the Marish much these days.\"

Talvo pulls a chair from under the table from Tassia, nodding to Dahlia at the same time. Draining his ale, he smiles to Tassia and says, \"Do excuse me for a moment while I get a refill…\" He heads back to the bar, arriving just in time to hear Maggot\'s comment. \"Another dwarven ale please, Marin. Ah, but the Perch has the best beer around, wouldn\'t you agree. Good to see you, Mister Maggot..\" Taking his ale and nodding the Maggot and Sulo, he adds, \"Would you both like to join me?\" before heading back to his seat.

Maggot turns and spots Talvo and breaks into a broad smile. Raising his mug he salutes him. \"Talvo m\'lad, a fine fine job you\'ve done with the Perch! I\'m afraid this mug will have to be my last or the Mrs. will skin me alive.\"

Taking a seat after the ladies have taken theirs Oliver rest his arms on the table as he takes another sip of his dwarvish ale. \"Aye it might have been the kite festival. You look familiar now that you mention it but the events then have clouded in my memory.\"

Baltobras goes to the bar and sees Talvo headed his way. \"Talvo, Talvo! Please accept my hearty congratulations on your opening of the Perch! It\'s a wonderful gathering!\" He offer his hand to Talvo.

Sulo smiles and takes up his mug and heas over to join Talvo and the others.

Smiling and watching, that\'s what Freesia does. Although she is quite an active talker, she is content sitting at her table, twirling her tiny pink flower, astray from the others in her hair. Her smile widens as she sees her cousin Balto enter with her good friend Ivy. She waves and goes back to her coffee. She cackles softly at some evilly amusing thought. She finishes her cup and orders another, with extra sugar this time…

Tass grins and allows herself to be seated. \"Thank you, Talvo… take your time! I\'m sure I\'ll find someone to chat with.\"

Finigrin stumbles toward the large gathering of hobbits, a half-drained mug in hand. \"Lovely what you\'ve done with the place, Talvo! Congratulations on the grand opening!\" The lad moves toward the Hornblower, extending his hand to shake.

Ivy smiles dreamily as she watches Baltobras walk away, then turns her attention fully to Saphire. Chuckling light with one brow lifted, Ivy says, \"Well, yes! It was quite confusing, wasn\'t it? I am so glad to see that Talvo was amply rewarded for his persistence and bravery.\" Her eyes survey the room once again, then she turns her full attention to Saphire, \"Well, Saphire luv, you look ready to burst with some tidbit of information! Perhaps a bit of gossip?\" Ivy\'s green eyes twinkle as her brows dance above them.

Maggot finishes up his ale, sits the mug on the counter and reaches over and playfully tossles Marins hair. \"Keep up the good work Marin!\" He waves to Talvo and a couple other hobbits he is familiar with, Oliver Brandybuck being one. \" Oliver! You still owe me that fish! I won\'t forget you know. Looking forward to you stopping by soon. Good day all.\"

From the Bar, Marin pulls back from Maggot, but then breaks into a grin. \"See you soon Farmer Maggot, give my best to the Mrs.\"

Talvo smiles to Baltobras and grins, \"Ah, thankyou very much, Mister Brandybuck. Having a good time, I hope?\" Shaking the offered hand, Talvo gives a slight grin and, excusing himself once again, heading back to his seat. \"So, what brings you back to Stock, Mister Banks?\" Taking a large gulp from his mug, turning towards the Brandybuck lad who greets him. \"Ah, Finigrin, good to see you again! Thankee very much, sir. Good to see you at the Perch, sir. All well, I hope?\" Talvo noticably moves his mug well away from Finigrin\'s shirt as he speaks to him, motioning for him to take a seat if he wishes.

As he listens to the ladies chatting at the table with him Oliver hears Farmer Maggot calling out his name and waves to him and nods with a grin. \"I haven\'t forgotten yet Mr Maggot.\"

Taking a swig from his ale, Sulo smiles broadly and says, \"Talvo, congrats on the grand opening, and you have my gratitude for the free ale.\" Raising his mug in the air, he proceeds to take another rather large drink. Then, noticing Maggot leaving, waves good bye.

With a muffled sigh, Fraibert Bolger drags the inn door open and slips in, barely dodging the swinging wood. \"Whew… a bit close there..\"

The old hobbit looks about the inn and nods several times in sucession. \"Well, yes, at least you do know some hobbits here, Fraibert. That\'s good… Very good…\" he murmurs to himself, hobbling eagerly towards the bar. \"Free drinks…. Sir, if you don\'t mind, can you get me an ale?\"

The bartender gives him a quick examination and turns away towards the varied-coloured bottles behind him. \"Yes, sir. Just one moment.\"

As Tass sits sipping her wine, her head slowly leans over to rest against the wall next to her seat. Her eyes bob open and closed as the hum of conversation rises and falls around her.

From the Bar, Marin fills a large mug neatly to the brim from one of the kegs, placing it down on the bar in front of Fraibert. \"There ya\'re, sir. We\'ve dwarven ale, too, if you\'d like later.\" Finding another mug, Marin fills it from a different keg and, with a quick look towards Talvo, gulps it all down noisily.

Baltobras finds a mug of Porter and another of mead and makes his way back to the table where Ivy and Saphire are seated with Oliver. \"I saw Tosco back there, and a line of empty ale-glasses, my dear Miss Boffin. I hope we have not to pour your dear brother into the Phaeton tonight!\" he whispers above the crowd. Then he spots Fraibert. \"Mr. Bolger! Fraibert Bolger! Come sit with us if you\'ve a mind!\" he cries.

As the ladies continue to catch up Oliver pushs the plate of seedcakes into the middle of the table and takes another drought of ale from his mug.

Saphire\'s eye twinkle with excitement as she looks to Ivy. \"Oh Ivy it\'s wonderful news. Look.\" She shows Ivy her left hand and smack dab on her middle finer is a plain sliver ring. \"I baught two rings like this for Me and Tora. They are promise rings. Oh and my father said the Tora can court me.\" Taking a sip of her water Saphy continued. \"Oh, Tora just told me this, but he and and another hobbit, whom I can\'t remember at the moment, baught some farmland in Longbottom. Isn\'t that wonderfull??\"

Oliver turns to Saphire and grins. \"So Torabold had decided to farm instead of working with the paper has he? What did your family think of that?\"

Sulo takes another long drink from his mug and finishes it with a satisfied smile. A look of dismay comes over him briefly as he realizes that his ale is all gone. Thankfully, he remembers that the ale is free and he heads back to the bar seeking more.

Fraibert accepts the mug with a friendly grin and tosses a few coppers on the counter. \"It\'s a tip,\" he explains abruptly, turning away from the bar. \"That\'s all.\"

\"Oh, it\'s a pleasure to see you Mr. Brandybuck, Miss Boffin. I shall be right over!\" cries the gentlehobbit as he begins his miniature trek towards the indicated table, leaning heavily on his cane. Finally, he arrives and bows politely to the hobbits. With sparkling eyes and a light-hearted voice he exclaims, \"again, it is so wonderful to see you!\"

Ivy smiles warmly at Saphire\'s news, \"This is marvelous news, Saphire! Finally!.I am so happy for you!\" She reaches over and snugs Saphire softly, then pulls back, looks into Saphire\'s eyes for a moment and wrinkles her nose happily. When Baltobras returns to the table bearing a mug of mead for Ivy, she softly says, \"Thank you, Mr. Brandybuck! This shall be perfect!\" Then looking over to the bar where her brother Tosco sits, lifting another mug of ale to his lips, she nods her head in disbelief. \"He\'s not much of a chaperone tonight!\"

From the Bar, Marin frowns at Fraibert as he drops the coppers on the bar, but as the old hobbit explains, the barkeep smiles happily and slides them into his pocket, \"Thank ye, sir, very kind!\" As he sees Sulo approaching, Marin pulls another mug from under the bar. \"Another ale, sir?\" he asks, turning back to the kegs and filling the glass carefully.

Turning from Saphire as he waits for her reply Oliver nods in greeting to Fraibert Bolger. \"Good day to you Mr Bolger.\"

Baltobras gives Ivy a glance. His eyes are steady and warm. \"Miss Boffin has a birthday celebration coming up soon..just a few days, in fact. But I have not yet heard where it will be.\" He rises and offers his hand to Fraibert. \" Fraibert, my fine fellow! Welcome! Welcome! Here\'s a seat and here\'s a seed cake and more ale anytime you want it!\"

Tassia\'s head nods more, and finally ends up on the table, cushioned by her arms.

Watching in anticipation as the mug fills, Sulo says, \"Oh yes, thank you very much Marin. It was a long walk, you know.\" Feeling thetickling sensation on the back of his neck, Sulo scratches it vigorously.

Talvo takes another sip of his ale, smiling to Tassia. \"How are you doing, Miss Proudfoot, and your sister? \'Tis been a while since I saw either of you, quite a while…\" He turns towards the bar, calling loudly to Marin, who swiftly delivers a few seedcakes to the table. As Tassia\'s head drops, Talvo looks down at her concernedly. \"Are you alright Miss?\" he asks, but chuckles softly as he realises she\'s asleep.

Saphire turns to Oliver. \"I havne\'t told them yet, but they should be pleased.\" When Fraibert arrives the hobbit lass stands from her chair and gave a little bow. \"Hello Mr. Fraibert. It\'s so good to see you.\" Turning her attention to everyone at the table Saphy smiles and sighs. \"I\'m sorry but I must step out for some fresh air. If you all will exscuse me.\" With that she makes her way through the crowded room and slips out the door where she took a seat leaning on the wall outside.

\"Thank you, thank you, Mr. Brandybuck. We haven\'t talked for quite some time, yes, a very long time. So how have you been?\"

Fraibert lowers himself gently into the proffered chair and leans back awkwardly, stopping every few centimeters for a a rest. The struggle ends in victory as the old hobbit\'s back lands comfortably against the chair. He takes a sip of ale and smiles heartiliy at Balto.

Watching his cousin go outside and lean on the wall Oliver sighs with concern. \"I hope she is well. She just recently got out of the healing house.\" Returning his gaze to the companions at the table he grins. \"So Ms Boffin when exactly is your Birthday?\"

Baltobras smiles back at Fraibert. \"I\'ve been up north for a while, Mr. Bolger. I have missed your music quite a lot.\" He presses Ivy\'s arm tenderly again. \"We both have.\"

Ivy glances up at Baltobras, \"My birthday? Why it is going to be at home, Mr. Baltobras! And belatedly Oliver, I had a bad chest cold. \" She looks in Oliver\'s direction. \" We are planning to celebrate it soon…no date yet.\" Watching Fraibert take his seat, Ivy greets the elderly hobbit, \"Oh, hello Mr. Bolger! It is so good to see you!\" She offers her hand to Fraibert. \"I trust you are feeling well?\"

With his newfound ale and a slightly happier disposition, Sulo works his way throught the crowd and back to the table he started at. With a deep satisfied sigh, he settles back down in a chair and takes a healthy sip.

Fraibert briefly touches Ivy\'s hand before quickly retracting the wrinkled extremity. \"Yes, I am quite well. A bit tired, but nothing to worry about. It\'s a pleasure to see you Ms. Boffin!\"

\"I\'m glad to hear that. Perhaps later tonight I\'ll get out a song or two, yes, I think I very well might. It\'s been a bit since I\'ve played,\" responds the old hobbit, turning back to Balto. \"But not too long, just a few days . But I tell you, a few days is starting to seem longer and longer. Almost like childhood again….\"

Excusing himself Oliver stands up from the table and moves to the bar. \"Can I have another Dwarvish ale there Marin please?\" Turing at the bar Oliver scans the room with a quizzical look. Taking the ale from Marin he makes his way to Finigrin\'s side. \"Eh hello cousin how are you he ask as he puts out a hand to shake.\"

Baltobras smiles warmly at Fraibert. \"Ah, I remember when I was a lad, a few days may have well been a year, especially when waiting for a party!\" he glances at Ivy once again, a look of mischief on his face.

\"Oh, please do play, Mr. Fraibert! I would love to hear you!\" Ivy gushes. Then looking at Baltobras with suspicion, she says sweetly, \"Now, Mr. Baltobras! You look as if you have something up your sleeve!\"

Finigrin glances up from his place at the table where he had been quietly sipping from his mug. Instantly a warm smile spreads across his face as he accepts his cousin\'s hand, giving it a good shake. \"\'Ello, there Ollie! My, it\'s been a while since I\'ve seen you! Or at least it feels as if it\'s been… Sit with me a bit. We can catch up.\" With that he motions to an empty chair.

Baltobras grins at Ivy. \"Well, you had best set the date for that long-awaited party if you want to find out!\" To Fraibert he says \"Yes, dear old fellow, please give us a tune or three! I might run out the \' Ballad of the Shirriff\'s Daughter,\' if there be enough call for it.\"

Talvo turns and looks up at Oliver as he arrives at his table, \"Hello there, Mister Brandybuck. Do you have a moment, I\'d like to talk to you about that wood.\" Smiling broadly, the hobbit takes a large gulp from his mug, reaching now for one of the seedcakes Marin bought over. \"Oh, please help yourselves, sirs..\" he says, sliding the plate towards Finigrin and Oliver.

\"A few days, a few years, what\'s the difference..\" mumurs the gentlehobbit with a broad grin. Fraibert takes another, larger, sip of his ale and begins to fish around in his jacket pockets.

\"Well, there it is…\" He pulls a walnut-coloured case from his coat and undoes the single, gold plated latch. \"Yes, an marvelous choice, Mr. Brandybuck. I warn you though, I will only play a few songs. Otherwise I\'ll tire myself out for my trip home tomorrow. I\'d like to be awake, if thats possible.\"

Taking the offered seat Oliver nods his head. \"Aye it has been awhile. Have you been behaving yourself cousin?\" Holding up his mug in greeting to Talvo. \"Oh is there a problem with it or have you gotten it yet from the shed?\"

Baltobras chuckles. That\'s all right! A solo first, dear Fraibert. Then I\'ll do some of the work if you can accompny my ballad!\" he chuckles. \"I hope I am in voice enough, but the Porter is good, and the company better!\"

Talvo chuckles, nibbling quietly on his seedcake. \"I have collected it indeed, Mister Brandybuck. The only problem is there isn\'t enough I\'ve decided to take the same again, if thats not a problem. Refresh my memory, if you would - how much did it cost again? 1700 coppers, as I recall..\" Lifing the mug to his lips, Talvo takes a long and slow gulp of the ale to wash his seedcake down.

Nodding gratitude to his host, Finigrin snatches a few seedcakes from the tray. \"Behaving m\'self?\" The lad gives a sly wink to his cousin. \"Well, I suppose that depends on your definition of behaving, coz. But how have you been? Business is well, I see…\"

Fraibert quickly assembles the two piece flute and blows a few short notes into the wooden pipe.

\"Sounds about right…\" he muses, looking down at the handcrafted instrument. \"Almost perfectly in tune as it is.\"

The old hobbit takes a deep breath, brings the flute to his bottom lip, and begins his song.

It is a gentle tune, light and airy with a beautiful timbre. This is a peace that does not last as the melody picks up, accelerating to a dance and then a jig. The notes fly back and forth throughout the room, flirting here and there in joyous refrain, full of youthful vigor and merriment.

Ivy sips the last drop from her mug, \"Mmm, a better mead I\'ve never had!\" She smiles in anticipation, \"Oh, yes Balto! Please do sing… A merry tune would do my heart good tonight!\" Ivy watches curiously as Fraibert opens the case to his flute and puts the instrument together. \"And Fraibert, to hear you play…ah!\" She leans back in her chair, crosses her legs and listens with delight at Fraibert\'s playing.

Baltobras grins broadly as Fraibert\'s tune floats through the air of the sweet Inn. He begins to clap in time with the quick and agile jig.

Finigrin can\'t help but grin as the flute\'s airy timbre dances through the scene, weaving an energy all it\'s own. \"Lovely,\" he muses, eyes watching the musician with youthful facination. \"Simply lovely…\"

A grin spreading on his Oliver nods his head. \"Ah thats good to hear Talvo no complaints. If my memory is good you took half a pound Mr Hornblower and half of 3300 coppers is 1650 coppers but since you have put on this grand reopening this evening I will give you a deal of 1600 coppers for the same amount. Turning to Finigrin again Oliver smiles. \"Aye cousin the other day I traded a pound of wood for seven kegs of this wonderful dwarf ale and I thought since I will probably not be able to drink it all myself you might like to help me sometime. Perhaps in exchange for a painting?\"

Talvo chuckles, nodding his head. \"Seven kegs? Thats more than the Perch had! Well, thats very kind of you, Mister Brandybuck, very kind indeed. Just let me find the coins, and I\'ll collect it from the shed later, if thats alright..\" Rising from his seat at the table, Talvo shuffles out through a door behind the bar, soon returning with a small brown pouch. Seating himself again, he pulls several coins from the bag and slides them to Oliver with a nod, before taking another seedcake from the plate.

As if by magic, the original theme returns to its former perch, a slow, melodious, but moving melody that gently soars above the murky din of the room. Neither light, nor heavy, it is focused and calm, peaceful and gentle, yet stirring in a subtle, inexplicable way. The song forges on in powered dignity, heart-seeking, soul-gripping, and mysterious.

Taking the money Oliver places it in a inside pocket of his weskit. \"Thank you Mr Hornblower. Yes just take it from the shed when ever you like Talvo.\"

\"A painting?\" Finigrin smirks. \"Surely I\'d be glad for the commission, but what would you have me paint? And I\'d be /more/ than happy to deplete your stock of ale, coz! All seven kegs…\" The smirk grows into a mischievious grin, though it is soon hidden behind the brim of Finigrin\'s mug as he takes another sip of his frothy ale.

Suddenly remembering a pressing errand, Freesia stands quickly, she walks to Talvo, \"I\'m sorry to cut this short, but I have pressing errands that I need to run. Thank you, it was a wonderful party, I\'m sure!\" she says with a smile before heading out the door.

Baltobras gives Fraibert a confident smile. \"Ah, listen to him! Marvels and wonders!\" he whispers to Ivy.

Uncrossing her legs, Ivy sits forward in her chair again. She leans into Baltobras\' whisper. \"Yes, it is wonderful! I could listen to him all night!\"

Ivy takes a seedcake from a plate in the center of their table, holds it gently in one hand and breaks of little bits with her other. She smiles to herself, then looks at Baltobras. Whispering, she says, \"Remember the seedcake we wasted on our first ride to Nobottle?\" Her smile widens, \"I had forgotten that it was on my lap…do you remember that day?\"

Oliver +whispers to Finigrin and you, \"Well our cousin Balto seems to be preparing for a special surprise and I though to prepare if it is the surprise I think it is. And on the other hand Saphire and Torabold are making plans of there own. I thought they would like a present for when they make their new homes.\"

In a Smial by a tree near Pincup

Lived a Shirriff proud and free

And with him his only daughter

A lass named Laurel Lea

__

Now the Shirriff loved his daughter

As a father ought to do

And he made up his mind to find her

A lad who was brave and true

__

But Laurel Lee she scoffed at him

And ran through the woods on her own

\"I want no suitor to woo me

I would rather be free and alone!\"

__

Now the Shirriff, he wouldn\'t listen

He thought he knew what to do

\"I\'ll go and find that Southfarthing lad

Who made eyes at her at the party we had

And she\'ll fall for him and he\'ll call me \'Dad\'

And they\'ll have lots of little\'uns too!\"

__

So the Shirriff saddled his pony

And he rode away from his home

But no lad from the Southfarthing found he

\'Twas no matter how far he might roam

__

For sweet Laurel Lee had a secret

She was keeping from her old Dad

She was roaming the woodland and meeting

Alone with the Southfarthing lad!

__

And when the old Shirriff came homeward

All tired and sore and alone

He found Laurel Lea and her sweetheart

Had made the household their own

__

Now the word is they wed in the meantime

And though it\'s not proper it\'s true

That the Southfarthing lad and sweet Laurel Lea

Have two pretty daughters - or is it now three?

And they live with the Shirriff, quite happily

In the Smial near Pincup too!

__

By the time Balto finishes the second line, Fraibert shifts the song to a steady, dance-like tune that merges well with the words. Its airy lightness and moving speed follow the voice, accepting its bold leadership, and adding an extra backdrop to the wonderful lyrics.

Long distance to Oliver: Talvo saw that one, thought it was before yours.. Thanks :)

rushing through the door the young hobbit bounder sits down at the first table that is not occupied and lays his head in his hands, just below the window sill and waits… Moments later a small group of ladyhobbits, barely adults run into view, stopping for a second and looking around before running off sound the odd word filtering through

\" I know i saw him go this way\"

Sitting up slowly, letting his eyes peek out the bottom of the window sill, he breaths a sigh of relief and leans back in the chair he sits in, wiping the sweat from his brow and shaking his head

Finigrin narrows his eyes, considering the offer. \"A half keg? Well, that seems a pretty fair payment, I suppose… Then again, the scale of the painting would hold some sway over it\'s price… What did you have in mind, Ollie?\"

As Oliver leans in to whisper, Finigrin nods, glancing briefly at Baltobras as he bursts into song.

Ivy\'s eyes twinkle and she taps her fingers lightly on the table as Baltobras sings his lively tune. When he is finished, she claps her hands lightly. \"Oh, Mr. Baltobras! I just love to hear you sing…and that song…\" She purses her lips in mock disdain, then her smile breaks free again, \"A bit scandalous…but I love it!\"

Baltobras grins at Ivy. Thank you, dear Miss Boffin! Yes, I know it\'s a gossipy tune, but, welll, it\'s right for a fine party at an inn!\"

With a final musical sigh, Fraibert holds the last note, a passing voice that eventually is conquered by the noisy inn. He reluctantly lowers the flute and puts it on the table, examining the minute images engraved into the wood.

\"Thank you Mr. Brandybuck. It was a pleasure to accompany you, I truly enjoyed it.\"

Ivy looks over at Fraibert, \"Well, done, Mr. Fraibert! I say, how do you pick the music up so quickly? You are a master, I say!\" She gently lays her hand over Baltobras\' hand when he sits.

Talvo leans in closer to Oliver as he speaks, a slight grin coming over his face. \"Aye, Torabold almost mentioned it to me the other way, I wouldn\'t be suprised either…\" His eyes flick for a second towards Ivy and Baltobras before his gaze turns back to Oliver and Finigrin. \"And Baltobras and Ivy, too, you say? Well, I\'d never have guessed, though I\'d heard a thing or two…\" Grinning round at Baltobras and Ivy again, Talvo chuckles softly and sips from his mug, his smirk fading only as Ordinbar rushes in. Fetching a fresh mug of ale from the bar, Talvo takes it over and places it down in front of him, asking, \"Are you alright, sir?

Baltobras claps Fraibert on the back, but gently. \"THank you, Sir! It is a pleasure to be accompanied by a true master, as you are.\" He gives Ivy\'s hand a squeeze as he sits back next to her.

Ordinbar has disconnected.

Oliver +whispers to Finigrin and you, \"Well I thought you might know a place the ladies would recognize near there childhood homes. Something to bring back fond memories. I know Saphire is going to be moving away and I assume Ivy will to to live with there suitors, but then again Balto lives up near Nobottle so she may be earer to her home then he. Perhaps a painting near Brandyhall would be best, I will leave it up to you cousin you have the eye of a artist not me.\"

Fraibert glances uneasily at his pocket watch draped loosely on top his weskit \"I ought to be going. Yes, right now. I have some affairs I need to straighten out, but hopefully I shall return soon. Very soon if my luck holds, I think it will.\"

The old hobbit bows politely and struggles to his feet. Using his cane, he weaves through the crowd and out the heavy door, closing it with an obnoxious \'thud\'.

Seeing some commotion over near the door, Ivy\'s eyes are diverted for a moment. Then her gaze is drawn to the bar where her brother, Tosco is teetering in his chair. His head falls forward to the bar and stays there for quite some time. Ivy grabs Baltobras\' hand. \"We had better get Tosco out of here! He looks like he\'s had his fill of ale this evening!\" She stands, \"Besides, I haven\'t had a chance to congratulate Talvo.\" When Fraibert makes his apologies for leaving, Ivy says, \"Good-bye, Fraibert! And thank you for playing for us! It was delightful as always!\"

Noticing the departing Fraibert, Oliver sits up straight and waves as the elder hobbit leaves.

From the Bar, Marin smiles and walks back to Tosco, \"Sorry, sir, \'nother ale is it? Sir?\" Prodding the hobbit gently, Marin grins and calls over to Talvo. \"Told you should make it three free ales apiece, Mister \'Ornblower…\" Smirking, he begins cleaing away the empty glasses.

Baltobras stands and accompanies Ivy to where Tosco is swaying. \"Tosco, my lad, come on, let\'s away.\" He grabs Tosco and pulls him up off the chair, gets his arm round and heads for the door. \"My dear, I hate to impose, but could you find our cloaks? I think I shall need to keep your brother upright here.\"

Finigrin cocks an eyebrow at the young hobbit who is apparently hiding at a nearby table. \"Erm, yes… Are you ok?\" Though curious as to the reasons for the gentlehobbit\'s sudden entrance, the Brandybuck\'s attention is soon drawn back to his cousin.

\"Oh, Tosco!\" Ivy says condescendingly as she leans down and looks up into his sleepy face. \"What shall I ever do with you?\" On their way out, Ivy stops to speak with Talvo. \"Mr. Hornblower, thank you for the wondeful party!\" She blushes as her eyes dart over to watch Baltobras help Tosco out of the door. \"And my brother Tosco thanks you too!\" Curtseying, she bows low and smiles. Then scurrying over to where the cloaks are hung, she puts her cloak on and gathers up Balto and Tosco\'s cloaks, following them out of the front door.

Thilo trudges down the stairs, looking a bit annoyed—he seems to have missed out on some sleep recently, judging by the bags under his eyes. At the bottom of the stairs, he sighs heavily and wanders toward the bar.

Thilo sits up on one of the stools near the left end of the bar and pulls up a menu. \"Make it an ale, Marin.\"

Marin shows the menu to Thilo.

Thilo hands Marin some coins. Marin smiles and gives the Ale to Thilo.

From the Bar, Marin chuckles, handing the coins back to Thilo again. \"Sorry, sir, forgot. The ales \'re all free tonight, no need to pay…\" At this reminder, Marin promptly fills himself a mug and sips it slowly.

As Balto and Ivy escort Tosco out the door Oliver waves good naturedly. \"Good night Ms Boffin and Cousin .\"

Talvo turns as he hears his name, smiling up to Ivy. \"Thankyou for coming, Miss Boffin, and you Mister Boffin, Mister Bracegirdle! Goodnight now…\" Wandering back to his own seat, Talvo picks up his ale mug and guzzles it slowly, wandering to the bar for another. As Marin fills his mug again, Talvo turns to Thilo and smiles, \"Hello, Mister Bracegirdle, good to see you again! Would you care to join us for a bit?\" Taking the drink from Marin, he motions to the table where Oliver and Finigrin still sit.

Finigrin leans in, answering in a low tone. \"Aye, I suppose I could think something up… But please let me know if you think of anything else you\'d like me to do with the painting, anything you\'d like me to add. I\'d be happy to oblige you with anything you\'d like… What\'s this talk of Saph moving away? It\'s been a while since last we\'ve spoken.\" The lad\'s brow furrows slightly.

Oliver Leans towrds Finigrin again. \"… you … hear … … … … exchanged promise … … … … … … … … … … … farming … … … … …. … … … are planning on … … … ….\"

\"No, no I didn\'t hear.\" Finigrin\'s emerald eyes widen at the news. I only knew that they were in love. When did this happen, Ollie?\" Finishing off his ale he adds under his breath, \"I suppose it really /has/ been a while since I talked to the both of them…\"

Oliver nods soberly and takes another drought of ale. \"Aye she told me the other day.\" Leaning in towards the center of the table he continues. \"I don\'t know if she will be upset with me for telling but they exchanged rings and Torabold has permission to court her and they are waiting three years until they are both adults she says.\"

Finigrin nods. \"I think that\'s wise of them to wait. Best not to jump into anything… Heh, I sure know that I\'m far from ready for a marriage!\" The grin returns to the lad\'s face, setting his eyes alight with glittering flame.

Talvo drains his mug slowly, walking back to the bar and handing it to Marin. Waving towards Oliver and Finigrin to get their attention, he calls over, \"I think I\'m going to head off now, \'tis been a long day in preparing for the party. Gooday to you both! Oh, and I shall collect that wood tomorrow morning!\" Nodding his head to them and to Thilo, Talvo walks through the door behind the bar and disappears from view.