The bright sun inn

[Helkster]

Helkahothion

Helkahothion walked into the inn. The first day of his own business. He checked the supplies down in the cellar and went back up again. The Inn was completely deserted. He feared that it was not such a good idea to start an Inn on the road between the Shire and Imladris. But his son said that many travelers would travel this route. And seeing that his son has been out in the world for 2500 years, he would know these things. As it was about 9 'o clock in the evening, Helkahothion started liting the candles and the fire in the room. It was a simple establishment. Just one room downstairs, very big though. And upstairs were the rooms. Anuion had urged him to make small rooms too. For what reason, Helkahothion did not know. Something with halflings, but Helkahothion had only listened with a half ear since he was searching for a help in the inn.

"And the help is also late. By Eru, what a way to start." The innkeeper said to himself.

Seconds later, another elf came walking in and hung his cloak to the therefor apointed rack. He appolagized and went to the kitchen. The presure lightened. Atleast the help was here. They where ready for business.

As soon as the fires were all lit and Helkahothion took his place by the bar, a group of little man came walking in. They had furry feet and looked around a little curious.

"I don't recall an Inn on this road Innkeeper." One of the hobbits said.

"That could be a correct guess, since we have just opened. My name is Helkahothion and I welcome you to the Bright Sun inn. May your stay be pleasent and everything to your satisfactory."

Helkahothion made a graceous bow and for the first time the hobbits saw that the innkeeper was an elf. Never had they seen an elfish innkeeper. They took a table in the middle and talked some more.

[Helkster]

Sapphire_flame

Aranel strode easily into the Inn. She hadn't seen Helkahothion for ages, since she had left Mirkwood, and the news that he had opened an Inn had been something of a surprise; though she couldn't help but think it had been partly Anuion's idea. Looking around, she saw a group of hobbits sitting at a table, talking animatedly. And Helkahothion was standing near the bar. Aranel grinned.

"Mae govannen, mellon nin!" she said, coming to stand beside him.

"Aranel!" Helkahothion said in surprise. "What brings you out here?"

The elf waved off the question. "Just off traveling. I heard that you'd opened an inn here, and couldn't believe it. I had to see with my own eyes." She grinned. "Your son had something to do with the location, am I right?" She fiddled with the clasp on her cloak. "It's good to see you again. How have you been?"

[Helkster]

Helkahothion

"Yeah it was. Bless him, this location has proven good indeed. Those hobbits over there are drinking a lot and I can alread pay back the money I barrowed from Anuion. But where are my manners. Hang up your coat and take place by th bar. You want a meal or something to drink? We have a good menu."

"That's Helka, always to the point in his strange manner. I'll have the meal of the day. And some ale to wash it down with."

Helkahothion went back into the kitchen to give the order. The fire was already roaring underneeth the pots and pans. He went back to poor in the ale and slammed the tankard on the bar. Aranel asked if she could rent a room. Helka gave her a pricelist and it amused her to see that Helka had written it in beautifull letters. The elf could write very pretty letters, but his patience mostly only allowed him ugly scribbles. But not in this case. Helka saw the smile on Aranel's face.

"Anuion suggested I'd take my time to write it. Don't know what is wrong with my handwriting."

Aranel laughed and ordered a big size room with a road view, since the nice view at the back of the inn was beyond her budget.

[Helkster]

Galadrie1

A small hobbit woman walked into the Inn. She glanced around nervously and sat down by the bar, taking in her surroundings. She took a deep breath as the Innkeeper, a tall, hansome elf, walked towards her. "Hello, there!" he exclaimed in a loud, booming voice. "Welcome to my inn... What can I get for you?"

The hobbit shrank back. Why do the ones I have to talk to always have to be so loud? she thought to herself. "Uh.. just a cup of.. t-tea, please," she studdered. The Innkeeper gave her a strange look, but walked back to the kitchen without further questioning.

She sighed and took a seat at a table in a corner. She looked cautiously at the group of hobbit men, some of whom had taken notice of her. It's alright, Esmerelda, she told herself. Just don't make eye contact....

[Helkster]

Durelin

What? There's an inn here? Well, I can finally have a bed to sleep on. Hamfast sat upon his rather bedraggled, wretched excuse for a pony, smoking his old, worn out pipe. He was near twin to his pony, looking equally disheveled. He had been traveling a long time. Ever since the winter the wolves came, Hamfast wasn't the same. He had been a normal hobbit of normal hobbit ways, but then came this idea that he was a hero. And he found he rather liked it. That is, when there weren't any wolves around that he had to play hero with. Wolves had attacked his lovely town of Bree, and he -- for a reason he would never quite understand -- volunteered to be part of the expedition to rid the town of the threat. Some of those on this expedition had been men and dwarves! He even became very good friends with a particular dwarf, and ironically met an elf with very close to the same name... And was there even an elf on the expedition? Oh, he couldn't remember. What he did remember was that he ended up killing three or four wolves (sometimes he would say five or six, even to himself) and his son even sliced one open. The mayor -- the mayor! of the entire town! -- had remarked that his family must be a breeding place for heroes! What a day that had been! And his dear wife had been so proud!

Now that Hamfast was a hero, he was going to act like one. So, he had to travel a bit. He decided to as soon as his eldest son was capable of taking care of things at home, then he took off, perhaps heading for the White City. He might as well visit the king, right? On his way he met many people, some very strange, but almost all very kind. Now he was a fair ways away from home and his arms, legs, back, and especially his bottom were quite sore from long travel. His poor pony was not doing much better. So the sight of an inn was overwhelmingly delightful, especially when he didn't expect one along this road. Graciously dismounting from off his pony, Hamfast made sure the groom took care of it. The man eyed the pony in disbelief (maybe he wasn't quite sure if it was living) but a copper made him listen a bit more carefully to Hamfast's words.

Stepping into the inn the hobbit was met with a strange sight. The first thing he saw was the tall elf. He knew that elf. Of all places..., he thought, Helkahothion! Another elf stood by -- he did not know her, luckily. He was having enough excitement and shock, thankyou -- and in front of Helkahothion stood a hobbit lass. The poor thing looked as if she wished she could sink into the floor boards. And no wonder, the only other costumers besides her were elves, with she only a few feet off the ground and them a few feet above her. "Helkahothion, my friend! What in the Creator's name are you doing...here?" Helkahothion...running an inn? It just didn't fit. The hobbit shook his head. Then a small movement from the hobbit lass reminded him of her presence. He had to do something about her...

"Excuse me, ma'am," he began with a smile, tapping her on the shoulder. "I hope Helkahothion didn't scare you. He can be quite intimidating. My name is Hamfast, Hamfast Greenhand, from Bree. Would you like to sit down with me over a cup of...tea." He was about to say ale, but you didn't offer that sort of thing to women. He had been married long enough (and living for that matter!) to know that. Hamfast turned to the elf woman in the room and gave a low, sweeping bow. He hoped it was graceful enough. He wasn't sure with his sore muscles and aching bones. "Fair maiden of the Firstborn of Illuvatar, it would be a pleasure if you joined us."

"And you too, Helka," he added with a grin, making it seem like an after thought. Well, this would be an interesting day. "Perhaps we have some catching up to do?"

[Helkster]

Helkahothion

"Well well, of all the people to walk into my inn, it is the little Hamfast. Still the hero of the town eh? I heared the wolves pester this area quite often." Helkahothion said with a smile.

He went back into the kitchen and came back with two cups of tea and another tankard of ale for Aranel. He slammed the tankard on the bar and laid the cups in front of the Hobbits since slamming would not do any good to the cups. As Hamfast was being a gentlemen and the Hobbit lass was brighting up a bit and coming out of her shy standards, more people came into the Inn. Some where humans, a couple of elves and a few more hobbits.
Humans wanted ale, elves wine and the hobbits more ale. Business were going good for the first day. Helkahothion was busy that he almost could not have a decent talk with Aranel. He was not a descendant of the Teleri for no reason. Nothing could tire him out. While walking around with a tray full of wine, he handed out the roomcart to a hobbit. As he placed the glasses with wine on the table of the elves and got back to the Hobbit, he got the money and the order for the desired room. Helka went back to the bar and took the key of the room.

"Mister Greenhill, ehr, room number 6. Ah there we go." He mumbled to himself.

He gave the key to the hobbit and poored in some more tea for Hamfast and the Hobbit lass. He bowed over to Hamfast and stopped with his mouth next to his ear.

"Don't foget you have a wife at home. Can you actualy afford all that tea?"

Hamfast tapped his purse that was neetly filled. Helkahothion smiled and wrote the tea down on Hamfast's bill. He was on his business when a two man entered the inn. They hung their cloaks to the rack and marched to the bar. One of them was an elf and the other a human. Helkahothion's eyes whidened and he dropped the cup of tea he had in his hands. It had been such a long time since he had seen Anuion and Bordarigorn. He ran over and hugged his son. Bordarigorn got the same treatment.
As they walked over to the bar, Hamfast was standing and made a little bow that looked funny in Anuion's opinion. Anuion did not recall where he knew this little guy from. It might have been that he was confused with that dwarf back in Bree. But what the hell. As Anuion was taking a seat, Helkahothion slapped a purse with gold on the bar and smiled.

"Check it, all that is needed is in there."

Anuion took the purse and laughed, beckoning that his father had done a great job listening and building the Inn. On his left, Anuion spotted Aranel. He bowed and kissed her hand. He had always liked this girl. She always had a listening ear for his weird ideas of leaving back in his serving days. Anuion introduced her to Bordarigorn and the three talked fondly into the night.
Helkahothion sighed. He was relieved that none of the visitors where one of those persons that went to sit in the corner and be mysterious. He had only four corners, and in many Inn's, this was forgotten. A hobbit shouted for some ale. Anuion smiled, now that the hobbits started to drink ale, hell would break loose.

[Helkster]

Aylwen Dreamsong

Qynne eyed the sign outside the inn with weary eyes, watching it lull and swing in the wind. Squinting her dark brown eyes, Qynne could see that she had chosen the Bright Sun Inn. The young human did not quite care for the name of the Inn, but she had no room to critisize since she was the one who needed a place to stay for a while. Qynne opened the door to the Inn, letting the last gusts of wind rustle her black hair. Inside, the Bright Sun Inn was rather cozy, despite its slight lack of customers.

It was late evening, but the conversations still went on despite the hour. Several halflings were acting rather rowdy and just beginning to ask for pints of ale instead of half-pints. Qynne liked the inn the moment she stepped in, and dismissed her dislike of the name.

Qynne went over to the bar and took a stool, glad to be out of throwing distance of the drunken hobbits. With exhaust in her eyes, the young woman pulled her pack off her shoulder where it had been slung and let it rest by her feet. Behind the bar was an elf who looked rather young, but Qynne knew better than to guess the ages of immortal elves. A little ways away was a group of three, two elves and one man. They spoke cheerily, and Qynne knew they were good friends.

All in all, Qynne was glad she had chosen the Bright Sun Inn, even if the next in along the road was at least a days ride and three day's walk away.

[Helkster]

Helkahothion

Qynne was waiting for service. The Innkeeper was walking with a tray and there was no one else around that she could place an order with. Bordarigorn noticed her waiting and went behind the bar. He took a menu and handed it over. Qynne looked at the map carefully. She decided to take it easy and ordered a tea. Bordarigorn took out his wallet and placed his own money in the cashregister.

"On the house." He said with a smile.

Bordarigorn went back and fetched the tea. He placed the cup in front of the girl and went away from the bar and took a seat next to her.

"So where does a beautifull girl come from and what is she doing in an Inn with such a weird name?"

[Helkster]

Aylwen Dreamsong

"This particular girl is weary from travel, and had no choice but to stop at this Inn for a long rest," replied Qynne with a smile. She took a sip of her tea, enjoying the warmth. Night had come too quickly that day, and Qynne had not wanted to push her luck and try for the next inn. "Thank you...for the tea, by the way," Qynne added when she put the mug of warm tea down. She truthfully was not sure if she had enough money to stay in the Bright Sun for as long as she needed to. "I'm Qynne."

"I'm Bordarigorn, but you only half-answered my question," Bordarigorn pointed out, for Qynne had not told him where she had hailed from. Qynne smiled grimly, and tucked a strand of midnight-black hair behind one ear before answering.

"I come from Gondor, originally. But I haven't been home in a long time. I left when I was young with two friends, and we traveled Middle-Earth," Qynne answered. Somehow, however, Bordarigorn knew that Qynne was leaving something out and was avoiding something.

"What happened to your friends?" he asked, looking Qynne square in the eye. Qynne held his gaze for a moment, brown eyes brimming with a mixture of grief and exhaust.

"Ahh, I'd rather not say at the moment," was the answer Qynne decided on. It was true; the fate of her friends was not a happily ending one. It was not something she wanted to discuss with a man she didn't really know.

"What's in the bag?" was the next question Bordarigorn asked, but probably because the pack had grabbed his attention when it slumped over near Qynne's feet. Qynne hesitated, and then picked the bag up and put it onto the bartable. Opening the cover flap, Qynne revealed the many parchments and maps that were inside her pack.

"What about you?" asked Qynne, changing the subject. "Why are you here? I must say that although the name of this inn is not quite to my liking, the all about atmosphere is rather cheerful. Where do you come from?"

[Helkster]

Helkahothion

"I come from a village down the road. Towards Bree yes. I got here since Anuion wanted to see if his father did not mess up things here in the Inn. We have been traveling for a while together. Yes, my friend did not have a bad fate. I see that your friends did. I have traveled and came in liking with many that died. It is a sad faith, but the purpose will be clear later."

Bordarigorn felt sympathy with this girl. She obviously lost some good friends. He imagined how it would be without Anuion. He soon came to the conclusion that it would be impossible. Poor Anuion, he would life on when he was long gone. Maybe death was not such a bad thing in the end. But then again, without death, there would be no end. Bordarigorn shook his head. This was not a matter he cared to think about. Instead, he showed his own bag and the stuff he had in it. It was a real mess, he hardly took out the things he never used. Anuion always had the important stuff. A spider crawled out and before anyone could make a move Helka walked by and pouned on the bar. He was only there for a second but as the looked at the bar it had a squished spider.

They both laughed and Bordarigorn bought Qynne another thea. The two had a lot of fun. Anuion smiled from the corner. It had been a while ago since his friend had a good conversation with his own race.

"Elves can become boring if you are used to something else." Aranel said to him.

"Yeah I know." Anuion replied.

It was exactly the reason why he left. Helkahothion remembered it well. He waved his son goodbye at the gate and he thanked Eru for the comfort of Mordariël. Speaking about the devil, where was that girl?
Mordariël was also owning the Inn and should be arriving later in the afternoon. A minute or so afer she came walking in. Graceous as only an elf her age could she walked towards the bar. Things where very busy and Helkahothion was buzzing around the Inn serving people.

She hung her cloak on the rack (which was beginning to get very full. It was a good thing that not all the visitors had cloathing to hang. She gave Helkahothion a punch in the ribs.

"My my Helky, in al our 4000 years have you not started a business and when you do, it imidiatly runs well on the first day. Bless Anuion for his knowledge. We might be old, but I would have never guessed this location."

Helka nodded happily as the elves beckoned for more wine. Mordariël took the tray from Helka and tolled him that he had done enough for one day. She went into the kitchen and greeted Galad's son. Galad II. She poured in 5 five glasses of wine and wrote the order down on the tab of the elves. She was amazed for what had been ordered already. This was going to be a very nice day for counting money.

[Helkster]

Aylwen Dreamsong

Qynne greatly enjoyed the company of Bordarigorn as they sat and talked for a long while. It had been such a long time since Qynne had really talked to anyone since she lost both her friends. It had been a long and quiet road to the Bright Sun Inn, and the conversations and the presence of another human being were comforting. Qynne had been to the farthest reaches of Middle-Earth and had seen a great many things, and her lively conversation with Bordarigorn seemed to momentarily take her mind off of things she'd rather forget but couldn't.

The many groups in the Bright Sun Inn continued to enjoy their companion's company well into the night, and late evening still showed no halt to the endless chatter of Hobbits, Humans, or Elves. Qynne had taken out a map of all the known places in Arda from her pack, and had laid it out over the bartable. She and Bordarigorn shared stories of adventures past, using the map as a visual aid. Qynne told none of the stories that involved her two friends, but the two still laughed and joked about most of Bordarigorn's tales.

"And have I told you about the time when the great Anuion got captured by the Easterlings?" Bordarigorn exclaimed once, pointing to a place on Qynne's map that was labeled, 'The Brown Lands'.

"Yes, you told me that one twice already!" Qynne answered, grinning. She swiped Bordarigorn's hand away from the map and pointed to a place far north of the Misty Mountains. "The Northern Waste! There are a few dragon's up there, I've heard, but I only saw one when I was there. We didn't go too far north, for it is far too cold up there."

Her hand moved from that spot above the Grey Mountains and traced it all the way east until she was pointing to where the far eastern lands of Middle-Earth met the East Sea, away from Rhun. That was as far as she had gone, though her friends had intended on getting a boat to go further before...

"Say, why do you have all these maps?" Bordarigorn asked, shuffling through Qynne's pack full of maps and parchment. Qynne sighed and rolled up the map that was sprawled on the bartable.

"Ah, I'm a cartographer of sorts," she finally answered, choosing her words carefully. "I make maps and know the land. I suppose like a Ranger would, but I mostly know the lands of Middle-Earth from paper. I am a cartographer, but a treasure hunter is what I've become."

Qynne was glad to get something out in the open. She had been reluctant to tell this at first, but then she didn't see how it could hurt.

"How much is it to get a room here? I suppose I might be staying for a while, until I can figure things out," Qynne asked Bordarigorn.

[Helkster]

Helkahohtion

Imideatly, Mordariël gave her a cart which showed the prices. Bordarigorn smiled at the neat writing. Qynne did not. She just looked at the prices. Bordarigorn complimented Helkahothion on the writing.

On the other side of the bar, Anuion was still talking fondly talking to Aranel. She seemed a bit abcent at times, but the conversation did not lack the both of them. Bordarigorn started talking again. He took the map and showed the location where his first adventure had started. He pointed out the farm he had worked and then the place where the descendants of Beorn still dwelled. But he kept silent about Yvonne, for the memory was still painfull

[Helkster]

Sapphire_flame

It was surprising how many elves were coming to the inn. But of course, Aranel remembered with a grin, this was Helkahothion's inn; word would have gotten back home. No doubt Anuion had something to do with that as well. She turned her attention back to Anuion, telling a bit about his last journey. He concluded the tale with his usual flair; Aranel grinned.

"Seems you've had no lack of adventure since you left home," she said. "It almost makes me wish I'd gone with you." She winked. "You look as good as ever, Anuion."

"Flattery will get you nowhere," Anuion said with a smirk.

Aranel rolled her eyes, then glanced over at Bordarigorn sitting at the bar, talking to Qynne. "So where did you find him?" she asked Anuion. "It doesn't seem like you to be traveling around with a human."

Anuion almost laughed. "I know. But this man has saved my life, on more than one occasion. And he is a good companion."

"Ah." Aranel nodded. "One thing you've never told me much about... What happened after you left home? We didn't hear from you for some time, and I know I wasn't the only one that was worried about you."

[Helkster]

Helkahothion

"Many things happened. I first visited my grandmother. Well, soldiers dragged me to her house and she turned out to be my grandmother. But who needs details right? What can I say, I have been trough a lot. During the war of the ring I was in a captured and Bordarigorn saved me. When I first met him he was just as much of a rookie as I was. Here, listen to this: He charged a warg head on with a broad sword."

Aranel and Anuion laughed loudly. Bordarigorn did not turn. He had a sharp hearing and did not feel punching down Anuion at the moment. Instead, he bought another tea and gave the lovely lady another one. Anuion smiled. It had been such a funny sight to see the young human kicking at that Warg. He ordered another ale and Mordariël gave it to him.

"Never thought you would serve me for a change Morrie." Anuion said smirking again.

"Watch it laddy, you'l loose teath."

She walked away and Anuion gave her a spank on her butt. She imidiatly turned around and with a cartwheel kick she knocked Anuion of his chair. The elf flew trough the room and chrashed into Helkahothion who was standing 2 feet away from him. Helka and Anuion laughed. Helke pulled Anuion on his feet and punched him down again.

"Just for the good old days." Helka said.

Bordarigorn saw that they were "fun-fighting" again. He already walked over, lifted Helkahothion with much ease, and threw him out the door. Mordariël stood next to him and measered the distance with steps. She brought Helka back in and smiled.

"4 feet. Still have you taken the record of Helka-throwing."

The group laughed and took their places again. Qynne raized her eyebrow. Little did she understand of this all. Bordarigorn took his seat again.

"Just a thing we old fighters do." He said with a smirk.

"Oh really? Let me try!" Qynne exclaimed happely.

Without warning she punched in the face. Bordarigorn was leaning backwards from the blow, but could just in time keep his balance. He bowed back and made a bow. Qynne kicked and almost struck his face. Just in time, Bordarigorn grabbed her leg and pulled her from the ground. The man was a lot bigger and Qynne was hanging above the ground with only a hand on her ankle preventing her from falling. Bordarigorn slapped Qynne on her butt a few times and slowly lowered her so she would not make a hard fall. When everyone was back in place they laughed once more and went on with sharing tales.

[Helkster]

GaldrielOTO

Menelien opened the door of the inn uncertainly, though the firelight and chatter coming from inside seemed welcoming. She glanced back at the dark outside, windy and looking about ready for rain. Making up her mind, she stepped through, closing the door behind her. Spoiling the graceful effect, she dropped her bag with a clang onto the floor. As everybody turned to stare at her, she blushed hotly, then ducked under a table to fish out the contents of her sack. It took her a while, seeing as she had dropped the bag so cleverly as to upturn it completely, allowing absolutely everything to fall out. She muttered an apology to the occupants of the table which she was under, trying to ignore curious stares. As she turned, about to get up, she heard a voice that seemed familiar just above her...

Getting up and brushing herself off a bit bashfully, her cheeks not quite back to their normal color as of yet, she came up to the happily talking group at the table nearly upturned by her efforts. The inkeeper looked like somebody she had known long ago, in Mirkwood... "Helka?", she asked, hesitantly.