Logs

A Quiet Picnic in the Garden-

The Garden, as it does at most times sits quiet and undisturbed, the morning fresh and crisp, a slight breeze blowing through and causing the leaves to rustle. Everything is peaceful, and only the hum of the stonehouses somewhere outside the little garden would suggest otherwise... Peaceful, that is until Megan Tasselberry appears.

Already with an off-key tune on her lips, she skips into the garden, throws down a blanket and sets herself up with a lovely little picnic- pulling out one sugar bun after the next, as well as apples and fruit tarts, her eyes shining in delight.

If the peacefulness was disturbed by one entrance, it is now positively shattered with another - that of a rather undersized young hobbit-lass with a head of rowdy dark curls. She makes her way into the garden, looking about in delight. She appears as if she has never been here before, attempting to look at everything at once and grinning widely. Confidently striding along, she fails to notice an unattended watering-can sitting innocently on the path.

CRASH!

The lass goes down and the watering can goes over, spilling and soaking the unfortunate halfling's dress. She merely lies there for a moment, looking half-disgusted and half-amused, then pushes herself back up to her feet, shaking her head. Her attempts to shake the water out of her dress are unsuccessful, and she looks up, rolling her eyes. Only then noticing the Big Person, she grins sheepishly. "Errr...good morning..."

Miklo stops and takes in the scene before him with a half grin on his face. Spying Megan, he waves and promptly shoves his hands back into his pockets and wanders over near her. "What goes on here if I may ask?" He nods towards the wet hobbit.

As soon as the hobbit entered, Megan's eyes were on her- watching intently, her head tilted to the side just slightly. She winces as the halfling falls, and even makes as though she's going to help, though she doesn't get up from the blanket. An amused smile dances on her lips as she watches.. "Good morning- are you alright?" and now she notices Miklo- smiling brightly and waving him over. "Good morning! I think she just took a tumble over the watering can.."

Miklo nods. "So I see. Is the can ok?"

Megan peers across at the can, and notices a few new dents and impressions in it.. "Maybe- looks like it's a bit worse for ware now, but nothing serious.."

"Yes, thank you, I'm fine, and so is the can, sir," replies the lass. "I'm not precisely delicate, and thankfully, neither is it." She shakes her head and returns the can to its upright position, then returns her attention to the other two. Dropping into a ridiculously clumsy curtsey, she smiles and says, "My name is Chalcedony Brandybuck, of the Shire. Good morning to the both of you."

Miklo bows neatly. "Miklo Took at your service miss. Brandybuck you say? Then you must be from my home, the Shire. I knew a few Brandybucks in my day."

Apparently unable to hold back her hunger any more, Megan picks up a sticky looking fruit tart and takes a large bite, now realising that she needs to introduce herself with a mouth packed full of pastry.. "Erhm.. Argma... Mrharmm.. Mhe... Ma... " and she chews quickly, looking as though she's in a panic to not appear rude.. Finally she manages to swallow, and taking a deep breath- "Megan Tasselberry of.. Bree.. over there, actually.." an she points across to the stone houses.

Chalcedony smiles. "From Buckland, sir, born and bred in Brandy Hall." Her smile widens as Megan introduces herself. "Delectable pastry?" she teases. "Pleased to meet the both of you." She glances over at the houses indicated and nods. "I see."

Megan nods enthusiastically as she takes another bite- and again remembering her manners, she raises an eyebrow and points to the other fruits and buns and tarts laid out before her.. "You can take one if you'd like.." she manages to mumble- crumbs and bits of fruit occasionally flying from her mouth.

Miklo bows once again, not as far this time. "Well met. I do so wish I could stay and chat." Eyeing the pastries, he rubs his ample tummy and adds, "And eat as well, but alas, I have to meet an acquaintance nearby. Perhaps we'll meet again soon miss Brandybuck." He waves to Megan and heads off towards the east.

"Good morning!" Chalcedony calls after the retreating hobbit. She returns her attention to the pastries. "Thank you very much," she says, smiling. "That's very generous of you." Selecting a relatively small tart, she takes a large bite and manages and appreciative, "Mmmmm!" She swallows, then looks around. "This is such a pretty garden. Actually, so far, I'm quite impressed with Bree as a whole. I'm not sure what I expected, but it's even better." A smile, and she attacks her pastry again.

A hand is waved after Miklo as he leaves, and Megan's face becomes neutral for a moment- as if considering what kind of expression she needs to take on. Again- that delighted, warm and friendly demeanour appears and she watches Chalcedony take a fruit tart.. "Never been to Bree before?! Well, I'm glad to hear you approve- I've not been anywhere else yet.. not even the Shire- though I know I should have.. Furthest I've been from Bree is to Combe- and even that's a part of Bree as a whole..." she takes another bite of her pastry- it's nearly all gone.

The patter of feet and a hobbity voice calling out "Chalcy!" can be heard before their hobbit causing the noises comes into view. But come into view she does, one Tigerlily Banks, trotting along at a good clip. Spying not only the hobbit she was seeking, but the added delightful surprise of another friend, Tig barrels up to the small picnic. "Megs! I should have known I would find ~you~ here." Fairly skidding to a stop, the lass hops about a minute, animated in a way she does not usually show in the Shire. "Whatcha doin'?"

Chalcedony suddenly looks rather thoughtful. "That's right, Archet and Combe are nearby. I nearly forgot..." she trails off, takes another nibble at her nearly-demolished pastry, and then shakes her head, smiling again. "Well, they can wait. I've too much to explore around Bree proper first!" Another bite, and the pastry is finally gone. Chalcedony is busy licking every last delicious crumb from her fingers when her name is suddenly called. Snapping around, her orange travelling cloak whipping out behind her, she grins widely. "Tig!" Her grin takes on a sheepish tinge. "Conversing, and I'm tripping over things again. What are you up to?"

Although not recognising the voice right away, Megan does think it familiar- and that same look of delight and excitement appears and she nearly springs to her feet. "Good morning Tig! Care for some breakfast? We're just eating and chatting," she says, her voice light and cheery as she motions to all the pastries. "Help yourself... I was just meeting some Shire hobbits..." and she looks to Chalcedony.. "Archet, Combe and Staddle too," she corrects.

Reaching forward as soon as she is invited, Tig snags a lovely bit of pastry and all but dances over to stop next to the sitting Megan. On the rare 'even ground' with the lass, she lets her free hand rest on the human lass' shoulder, talking around the treat she has stuffed into her mouth, "Combe... didn't ya say that's where the twins have gone, Megs? Will they be back soon?" Even her manner of speech has altered from that usually heard in the Shire, the Bree lilt having settled back into her words and tone. "Oh my, this is good... from your mam, Megs?" Bright eyes flicker about as if trying to take in everything and everyone at once, and finally light on Chalcedony, "Ya need to mind yer step in Bree, Chalcy. If not Big Folk, then some other manner of trap is always in yer path."

Megan watches Tigerlily as she dances about, laughing lightly- delighted and excited that she's back in Bree. "Yes- the twins are in Combe, with Mam and Da... They're comin' to visit though.. Maybe tomorrow.. then they could stay wi' me for a while if we wanted to go out together all of us?" an impish grin is on her face as she winks at Tigerlily as if to say "if you know what I mean.."

"Nope- fresh from the bakery..." another bright, impish smile that suggests she's just done something mischivious or unlawful... and that's true- Bree is nice 'nuff but there's bandits and all manners of dwarves and strangers in town now...But if you're in a spot of danger, just come to me and I'll look out fer you.." even Megan's voice her changed at the arrival of her friend.

Chalcedony's grin falters just slightly as Tigerlily's speech patterns change. Feeling a little insecure, she studies her still-sticky hands, then looks up at her name. Smiling, she shrugs, her voice a little hesitant as she suddenly notices her strong Buckland accent, spreading her arms. "Ack, Buckland, Tuckborough, Hobbiton, Bree - I trip over anything and everything within twenty feet, Tig. They're hardly traps if they're out in the open." Her smile widens at Megan's offer of help. "Thank you very much, Megan. I shall keep that in mind if ever I need assistance." Something in her voice hints that the rather reckless young Bucklander doesn't quite believe that she will ever need it, but she restrains herself from saying so.

From the west, a lone hobbit approaches, his hands stuffed down into the immense pockets of his coat. His head is down and covered, his large-brimmed hat obscuring most if not all of his features--save for a few curls of bright red hair that peep out from the back of his hat. Any Shirehobbits would know him at first glance as Percival Took, but aside from that he would blend in quite well, especially with the weather-worn drab colours he prefers. As is his habit, the gentlehobbit is humming softly to himself; it's a low tune, slightly melancholy, in a minor scale. He doesn't even seem to notice the gathered bunch until he's passed by them. Turning his head, he raises the brim of his hat, and his green eyes flicker with recognition. "Tig--" he says quickly, "And Miss Chalcedony. Good morning to you both. And to your friend..." he adds, raising his red brows to Megan.

Leaning close to her tall friend, Tig grins, "I should like very much to get to see the twins again. And I should have known where you would have gotten such lovely bits of breakfast from, Megs." Her eyes twinkle impishly as her chubby hand remains on the shoulder of the human girl. But those eyes have not missed the passing familiar figure, nor have her ears missed the tune, soft as it is. A wide smile curves her lips, "'Allo there, Percival! I wondered if ya' was going to walk on by, lost in yer hat. This is Megs." The hand moves now, patting the girl's shoulder in easy friendliness.

Megan's eyes watch Chalcedony's sudden discomfort, though she says nothing on it- just seems to study her for a moment, face thoughtfully. Before shrugging her shoulders gently with a warm smile. "Well, I'd hate to think you'd have no where to go if you got pinned by bandits." and now she glances up as Percival approaches, tilting her head and watching curiously- though she seems ecstatic that another hobbit has appeared.. "Good morning- would you care for a pastry?" and then she turns her attention to Tigs- seemingly hardly able to keep up with the three of them.. "I haven't seen th' twins in a while meself.. and th' bakery gets a tad suspicious when it's customers complain that they don' receive their orders- but I don't get in trouble; you know me..." she smile mischievously again, then nods her head to Percival. "Megan Tasselberry," she states- perhaps reserving nicknames for people she isn't meeting for the first time.

Still apparently less than happy with the reminder that she is not precisely the biggest or strongest lass in Bree, Chalcedony shrugs. With the arrival of Percival Took, however, her face changes slightly. Chalcedony looks over at the newcomer, her expression a wee bit less enthusiastic than it was a moment ago, with Tig's entrance. "Good morning, Percival," she says politely. At Tig's friendly greeting, though, her dark eyes widen a bit. One eyebrow jerks upward, returning almost immediately to its former position as the Brandybuck attempts to control an odd flicker of surprise. Without physically stepping back, Chalcedony simply fades into the background of the conversation, listening and observing more than speaking - a position which is rather unusual for her.

To Tig's enthusiastic introductions, Percival nods solemnly. "Hello, Megs," says Percival lightly, his tone very polite, but bearing none of the brightness of Tig's. "And yes, I'm Percival. Took. Percival Took. And no, no pastries. Thank you very much, though." The gentlehobbit looks from Tigerlily to Chalcedony, his lips a tight line. He seems to consider her for a moment, his face nearly expressionless. Coughing into his hand, he inquires: "Am I interrupting?"

Making his way into the gardens, Banedil, the Chieftain of the Bear, looks slowly about. So far since he has come to Bree, he has spent most of his time in either the Market or the Prancing Pony. Finally, he has let his curiosity carry him to explore further into the foreign city, at least, foreign to him. He comes upon the group and the picnic but stops, not wanting to disturb them.

Tig brightens suddenly, looking at Chalcedony, "Oi, Chalce, I was looking for ya for a reason. I wondered, did ya want t'come meet the folks today, and have a bit of tea? They's most eager, as I've told them stories of what a good friend ya've been t'me." She smiles at the other lass, eyes expectant, even as she reaches without looking, snagging another bit of pastry and finally letting her hand fall from Megan's shoulder. The strange cadence of the words trip off her tongue, obviously not as 'proper' as her customary speech in the Shire. As she pauses, brown eyes slip to a strange new face, a curious cast settling in them as a good bit of the pastry disappears in one bite.

Megan's eyes dart quickly between the three of them- expressions changing as quickly as those eyes move, though she notices Chalcedony's sudden change and the raised eyebrow and wonders what it's all about but her attention is directed elsewhere as she fades away... Her gaze shifts quickly to the newcomer- another Bigfolk, which may have brought just the briefest stab of jealousy to Megan's eyes, but it's gone as quickly as it appeared, fading into friendly politeness. "Good morning Mister..." she trails off, apparently having forgotten his name.. "Care to join us for breakfast?" And with that, she reaches out to take another pastry- glancing across at Tigerlily as the hand is removed from her shoulder.. "And it's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Took, no you're not interrupting anything! We're just having a bit of breakfast here!"

Chalcedony is hardly more enthusiastic to see Percival, but she refrains from answering him. She ignores Megan's observant glance, snagging another pastry. A small noise, and Chalcedony's ears twitch. She glances over towards it, her lazily curious expression becoming instantly more alert. Another Big Person! She gives him a searching once-over, hardly failing to notice his armor and weaponry. Deciding that she rather likes the looks of him, she smiles and gives him a nod by way of a greeting. Her attention snaps back to Tigerlily. "What? Oh! Of course I would, Tig," she grins. "Though I really think you've over exaggerated my worth a bit."

"I see..." responds the Took to Megs, but still looking at Chalcedony. He raises a red brow to her, and then sighs as if dismissing whatever it is that's bothering him. The arrival of the big man seems to force the Took into even more silence, and he quite nearly retreats into his collar. "Hello," he says quietly, folding his arms across his chest, and leaning forward. He gives a wavering glance toward Tigerlily, then looks back to the Big Person, his cheeks blanching. If one were close enough to him, they could see his hands are trembling, even under the weight of his arms.

Banedil pauses for a moment before he nods with a smile, speaking up in his heavily accented Westron. "Aye, Thank ye, Lass. I dinna mean to intrude. I was just havin' a look around." He smiles as she has forgotten his name. "It's Banedil. And I remember ya from the Market. The talk of Thieves and Carrots?" He nods his head to the Hobbits, not having a chance to speak to them close up yet while in Bree. "Hello, there."

Tilting her head back for a moment to look up at the big man, Tig's smile remains. Her small voice pips up, "Hallo, Mister Banedil." Her presently flightily attention flickers around again, coming to light on Percival. Her head tilts as she regards him, the smile twitching off for a moment as her eyebrows raise. Looking down quickly, she bends swiftly, snagging another pastry and quickly moving to stand near the Took. Her voice is quieter as she addresses him, "Percival... would'ya like a bit of a Danish?" Despite the obvious Bree accent that has taken back it's possession of the lass, her tone is rather on the soothing side, and she tries to look reassuringly at her fellow halfling.

Megan gives and warm, friendly smile to the Took- perhaps sensing his fear and hoping to reassure him that there's nothing to be scared of... "You're not intruding, we were all jus' havin' breakfast here and a friendly chat wi' some of th' Shire hobbits. Ah! Bandedil, now that sounds about right- and I remember th' conversation now too.. haven't been many more carrot thefts lately, incase you're interested.. and..." she trails off as Tigerlily leaves her side and goes to stand with Percival instead. Quickly she directs her eyes elsewhere- perhaps feeling suddenly abandoned by her friend, and so finds something quite interesting to look at in her basket, busying herself there.

Chalcedony maintains her silence, turning a bit so that she doesn't have to crane her neck as much to get a look at Banedil. She continues to munch on her pastry, much more slowly than before, watching her friend and Percival very closely. Something suddenly makes her squint hard at the Banks lass, and then Chalcedony's eyebrows jerk upward and she shakes her head once. A very, very close hobbit or simply a being with abnormally sharp ears could hear her mutter one sentence under her breath. "This I am going to have to ask about..." Apparently dismissing the subject, she returns her attention to Banedil, noting his accent with interest and taking another bite of pastry, this time managing to spread berry juice from her chin to halfway up both cheeks.

"Er, no, no," says Percival to Tigerlily as she proffers the danish. He shakes his head enthusiastically. "I just ate. Just now. I'm fine." As Megs talks to him, he manages a very nervy smile, as if the corners of his mouth were being jerked up and down by invisible strings. He swallows hard, then licks his lips. "I'm just passing by. I... honestly don't know where I'm going... and..." he looks at Tigerlily, breathing fast now, "I just kept walking. But, everything's so different. And I'm... I'm afraid... I have lost my bearings." His voice even shakes slightly. Someone, it appears, has left all traces of Bullroarer Took far behind in the Smials of Tuckborough.

"Oh, goodness...!" Chalcedony's extremely annoyed voice is suddenly quite audible. "There I go again, being as graceful as a terrified Bracegirdle on the frozen-solid Bywater Pool!" She shakes her head and smiles ruefully. "I'd best go clean myself up. I'll meet up with you before tea, then, Tig?"

Her attention drifting away from the Took for a moment, danish still in hand, Tig smiles at Chalcedony. "I will come to the wagon for ya, Chalce... I know all sorts'a shortcuts." Immediately her eyes return to Percival, and her free hand pats his arm quickly, the gesture mostly hidden from the view of anyone else.

Chalcedony nods, grins, and drops into another pathetically clumsy curtsey. "Well met, all of you," she says with a smile, and then she is off, disappearing behind a rather large flower bush as she turns a corner.

Banedil smiles to Megan, nodding to her. "That's good to hear then. Ya made me wonder who was behind it. Stealin' carrots like that." He pauses and looks momentarily to the Hobbits. "Shire Hobbits?" He asks, still trying to get familiar with plain Hobbits.

Megan now becomes more fascinated with the Took hobbit, though her eyes are filled with a completely genuine and sincere warmth- not mocking like she might be.. it was as if she actually sympathised with him.. that she actually had real feelings! "Well where d'you want to get to? I've lived in Bree all my life and know it back to front... there aint no need to be afraid- all us folks here are nice as can be- all you needed to do was to ask for directions.." and she glances to Banedil, briefly raising an eyebrow.. "We never did figure out who was behind it though- everyone thought it was Ms. Randel, but she seems much too nice to be stealing carrots... and yes, Shire hobbits- from the Shire.." Megan reaches out to take another sugar-bun with a sigh as she looks about at those remaining.

"Not afraid," says Percival, holding his head a little higher, his eyes narrowing at Megan. "I'm not afraid. I said I was afraid I got lost. I've never been to Bree," he snaps, jutting out his chin. He looks quite perturbed, and starts fiddling in his pockets, searching for something. Finding his pipe, he quickly goes about kindling it, but fails at his task. The unlit pipe dangles from his mouth. "It's not easy finding your way when you've never been there," he says, this time smoother, and a little more calmly. Trying one more time, he manages to get his pipe alight, and takes a long draw on it. He has not made eye contact with the Banedil fellow once, and out of no where, shudders as he blows out a few wobbly smoke rings.

Catching the words 'stealin' carrots' from the big man, Tig turns halfway away from Percival, an oddly amused look on her face as her eyes find Megan. One eyebrow raises, and she quickly takes a bite of the danish that Percival refused, to hide a growing grin. From a mouthful of pastry, she offers, "I'm fom Bree." Chewing quickly and swallowing, she remains standing near Percival, even taking a step closer to him as he fumbles with his pipe. Her casual attitude seems a bit put on to smooth the ruffles feathers of her hobbit friend, "Of course, Percival. If ya'd like, I'll show ya 'round a bit today. S'not so bad, once ya get t'know it." She plucks at his sleeve as she steps toward Megan, "Why don'tcha sit wif us a while, hm?" Her eyes seek those of the bigger lass again, clearly saying without words, 'alright Megs?'

Banedil's looks to the hobbits, studying them one by one before he diverts his eyes back to Megan, nodding to her. "Well..I suppose all is well. then. Now what would be this Shire ya speak of?"

Upon receiving that snapped reply, the warm friendliness fades noticeably from Megan's face and her eyes fix on the hobbit for just a moment, as if considering some way to respond. "No need to get angry, Mr Took," her voice is quite controlled, as if she's trying to restrain herself, "I was only trying to be friendly, and if you're so afraid of being lost, you could ask for directions as I said. Nothing wrong with that." Noticing the raised brow of her smaller friend and flashes a quick impish smile- too quick and hardly noticeable for anyone who didn't know her, and her face looks as though it might brighten, but it fades back into the now not-so-friendly look she held with Percival a moment ago, nodding her head to the blanket as Tigerlily looks to her. "The Shire is just to the west of Bree- not too far away..." Megan answers absently, her eyes shifting up to Banedil as she does so, and there warming noticeably again. "Come and sit- help yourself to any pastries."

Returning to the side of the human lass, Tig folds her legs under herself and sits, close to her bigger friend. Another large bite is taken from the danish, and the halfling lass takes a moment to have a good long look at the big man. She eyes him curiously, the thought occurring to her that he has not actually spoken to one of ~them~... the hobbits he seems interested in. Her head tilts to the left, holds for a moment, then tilts to the right as she chews. All the while a small grin turns up the corners of her lips, and she falls silent as she waits, for clearly waiting for ~something~ is what she is doing.

Banedil nods slowly to her before he smiles, kneeling down to join the Breefolk with her breakfast. "Thank ye." He reaches out to take a pastry more use to warm bread in the morning than pastries. He takes a bite before blinks in surprise at the sweetness. "So it would be further west? There is so much more out there to see. I will admit, I have wonder what would I have seen if I travelled further east past the Rohan and Isengard."

After a few more puffs on his pipe, Percival seems all the more composed. He sighs sadly, and bows his head to Megan. "I am truly sorry if I did offend you," he says, his voice still without much strength behind it. "I'm but a lone hobbit who is very lost and feeling rather addled since my pony fell ill," he says, clearing his throat. He blows an elegant smoke ring, and looks pointedly at Tigerlily.

Megan smiles softly to her hobbit friend as she sits, and makes a visible attempt to compose herself. Her eyes go blank for a moment, and then it seems as though she's put on a mask, now smiling brightly again, and biting into the sugar bun which until then, had hardly been touched. "Yes-in the West... Isengard and Rohan? They sound familiar, but I wouldn't know where they are..." and she turns her attention to Percival with a bright and dismissive smile. "It doesn't matter, not at all- I hope your pony gets better!" though there's something behind her voice that doesn't quite convey it's meaning- something that suggests it matters more than she's letting on.

"Speckles is ill?"

Tig's attention snaps at once back to Percival, concern plainly seen, "When did tha' happen?" For the moment she has forgotten the human companions, a frown creasing her forehead. "What is bein' done for 'im, an' is 'e alright?"

As he gets more words out of Tigerlily, Percival narrows his eyes at her, in a near wince. For a moment his eyes register very little familiarity. "He's got... something wrong with his lungs," says Percival, quietly, looking down into the bowl of his pipe thoughtfully before glancing back up at Tig. "You can hear the rattling if you put your ear to his belly. I had a fellow look at him. Big fellow. Suggested mixing some things into his oats, and giving him rest, and making sure he's not in the rain too much." Percival heaves a sigh, and sticks his pipe back in his mouth. Speaking through the stem he says: "Odd, too, since he's from Bree and all. You'd think that it'd make him well. But, he's not. And I'm left to my own two feet again, it seems. I had hoped... to ride him a bit, but it seems the trip did not do him well."

"Aye, Well, way further south, but south South-west." Banedil answers, trying to explain. He looks to the two hobbits and simply smirks at their worry over a pony. He's never liked horse, desiring to walk more than ride.

Perhaps not catching the narrowed eyes, or even registering the look and putting it aside for a later time, Tigerlily continues to frown deeply. "Would tha' want to speak to Da about it, Percival? Tell 'im who ya' got t'instructions from? Da's fair smart about folks to know things when we need help." Her voice lowers, "I do hope Speckles is alri'." Absently, she reaches up, carelessly pushing an errant lock of hair back from her face as her eyes shift until she is frowning down at the ground.

"I've never been outside Bree," Megan says to Banedil, then continues eating her sugar bun silently, looking no where in particular.

The more Tigerlily talks, the more baffled Percival looks. Narrowing his eyes further, and looking sidelong at her, he lifts his upper lip. "I... hope so too," he says, almost as if he's asking a question. He continues to stare at Tigerlily. "I don't really know what you're saying, Tigerlily. I can hardly understand you." The well bred Took raises his voice slightly, his tone strained with an air of frustration. He does not wait for an answer, and just shakes his head, laughing a bit uncomfortably. "I think I should just go. I--er, yes."

Banedil nods gently to Megan. "Wish I had something to show ya, Lass, but I really don't. Well, I have many scars from many battles along those lands. Just me and this sword to carry me through." He says before follows silent, chewing on the sweet pastry as he listens to the wee folk.

Head snapping up, an unmistakable look of hurt shows on the Banks lass' face at the Took's unkind words. Recovering quickly, but not so quickly that it would not have been noticeable, a steely cast comes over the usually warm brown eyes. Her answer is a simple, "Aye." Red creeps up into her cheeks as she returns her gaze pointedly to the ground at her feet, folding now empty hands together in her lap.

"That's well and good, Tig," says Percival, harshly, not giving way to the Banks' steely glances and curt response. He bites down on the stem of his pipe. "I suppose this is your place and it's you prerogative how you want to speak and conduct yourself. Just don't expect me to be alright with it all. I'm sorry if I *can't* understand you," he snaps, widening his eyes, and shaking his head. He waves his hands out in the air. "I've never been out of the Shire, it's not like I know what to expect." Lingering for one more pathetic moment, the fiery-haired Took gives a gurgled sigh, and turns about, his coat-tails flapping with the force of it. He heads off at a quick pace, not looking back.

Megan's eyes flick to Percival as he suggests leaving- there is a hint of coldness behind disappointment. "Oh, well you don' have ter go I'm sure..." and now they grow colder still as she looks across to see Tigerlily, and sensing the sudden change coming over her also... Softly, she gives her a gentle nudge and a reassuring smile, before looking to Banedil- her eyes neutral to him. 'Oh.. No matter- perhaps I shall find you some gift to take back to your home with you, so you can tell people you have been to Bree... though, I don' think that Bree is as impressive as Isengard or Rohan, even if I don't know what they are..."

Now, all this snapping from Percival to her old friend has caused Megan's eyes to grow colder and colder and she glares at him and that look alone would probably scare any Bigperson-fearing hobbit..She looks as though she's about to snap some response- to stand up for her friend but he's already gone.. "Pay no attention to him, Tig- you can talk however you want..."

Banedil shakes his head, raising a hand. "A gift is not necessary. Rohan..well, it was our lands that was stolen from us by dark men. As for Isengard, I did not travel that there, I did not have the opportunity to meet people there like do here." He raises a brow to Percival, frowning.

Despite the Took's outburst, and the words from her human friend, Tig's brown eyes stay stubbornly on the ground as she fights to keep her composure. Finally, after long moments pass, she looks up again to Megan, the only thing betraying her feelings the overly bright shine now glittering in those eyes. "Aye, I can, Megs." She takes a deep breath, muttering softly, "No real friend could be so hurtful. Good thing t'find out, fore a body could get cut to the quick by such things." Looking remarkably like the human girl for a moment, the halfling lass tucks her feelings down, adopting the mask-like cover her friend also has the talent for. She looks again toward the two humans, the glitter in her eyes now seeming to be interest rather than a threat of any tears. Toward the way the Took departed she spares not a glance.

Ah, but Percival might be stalking away, though his ears he does not turn off. He stops in his stride, and turns about. "A real friend?" he pipes, having to raise his voice to be heard. "Tigerlily--it--it's not my fault I can't understand you when you talk like that, see? Whatever... Breespeak it is, or whatnot, you've never talked in such a manner with me before. What am I to do, pretend I'm used to it, nod dumbly like I understand? Well, blimey, I don't, Tig. And if you think I'm going to stick around while you keep changing like this, all of a sudden, well, you're wrong," he says, pulling his hat down over his eyes. "You've got your Breefriends, who apparently know you better than I do." He turns again to go, stuffing his hands deep into his pockets.

Megan looks as though she's being torn in half to see her friend so sad, and even reaches out to draw her into an embrace. "Oh, Tig... Pay him no heed- it isn't worth getting upset over someone who gets angry over how you talk..." she looks concerned for her friend- perhaps some of the truest feelings she's ever had now surfacing, and the mask is lifted for a time- it is directed only at Tig, though, and as she hears Percival's voice again, those eyes cloud over and she lifts her chin, her back straight and all feelings of confidence radiating off her... "Don't you dare talk to my friend like that! Tig is from Bree, and should be able to speak like a Breefolk whenever she wants! You can't justify getting angry at her because of the way she speaks! She could come up to me and slur her words and I would still remain by her side, no matter how she talked! It's no wonder she has "Bree friends" when her Shire friends like you abandon her because of the way she /speaks/!!" and still her voice is controlled, as if she's not truly getting as angry as she could.

Banedil just sits quietly and watches everything that is going on, considering he has no idea what really is going on. Is this how all Bree and Hobbitfolk are like? At least in Dunland, He knows how people properly behaved. If someone challenges your name or honour, you strike them down in hand to hand. The Bear just sit there like his Clan's namesake. Just don't try to take his honey away from him.

Reaching over to Megan with one small hand, Tig seems not to register the words of the Took. She pats the human girl's hand, "Tis nothing, Megs." Unreadable now are her eyes, as she turns with interest toward the large man. "Wha' is an Isengard?" She looks at the man steadily, quite a bit of willpower put into not throwing her own retort at Percival.

Hobbits, humans, and dwarves seem to be visiting Bree, and all at the same time! Lethur is one of the visitors, and a dwarf. Now, walking through the gardens with a pipe in his mouth, he doesn't take in much of what is going around him. Deep in thought. Must hurt or something. And thus does he bump into something, or someone, and is forces to stop. His pipe falls to the ground.

Percival's shoulders shudder with the force of Megan's harsh words, and he lowers his head even further. It is as if Megs's words were flying rocks, pelting him from a distance and managing to make quite an impact. He peers over his shoulder, eyes sad, shaking his head. "I don't care how Tig speaks, madam," says Percival, "so long as she's consistent. So long as I know who I'm talking to--if it's her or not. Now, I'm not so sure. You both misunderstand me. I have never heard such a dialect, I am not judging you, but that doesn't change that I--I can't understand you!" Percival's voice rises until it looks as if he'll blow the hat clear off his head. Giving a melancholy glance to Tigerlily he raises his hands in resign.

Megan seems to calm down after Percival's words, but that doesn't make her any more inclined to finish the argument. "Does it matter whether she's consistent? Does it matter if she suddenly speaks differently? It don't change th' fact that she's the same person... how someone speaks doesn't change who they are.." she glances across to Tig with a sigh, and then shakes her head gently- her eyes confused, as are her thoughts.

Banedil catches sight of the Dwarf, having spot the smoke from his pipe. He ponders, reaching up to scratch at his own short beard wondering if pipeweed would be worth trying. He nods his head to the figure before his eyes return to the Drama about him.

Tigerlily, for her part, sits with an expectant look on her face, eyes on the human man as she waits for an answer to her question. None seems to be forthcoming, and a noise next to her draws her attention to a pipe which has fallen from it's owner's grasp. Taking it up quickly, she stands and turns, looking up and clearly expecting one of the many humans of Bree to have dropped it. Readjusting her eyes quickly, they find the dwarf and she holds out her hand with the pipe, "Did'ya drop this, sir?" Standing still shorter than the dwarf, her head is inclined upward to peer at him.

"I see," says Percival, shaking his head, replacing his pipe. He takes no note of the dwarf who's just recently passed him by, and only turns about. He walks away, slower than he came, and this time instead of a sad song, he's humming no song at all, which is probably worse. With his hat pulled all the way down, nearly covering his eyes, he stares at the ground all the way back to the Prancing Pony.

Even if he may not be a human who dropped the pipe, Lethur bumped into one. The dwarf quickly speaks in his deep Westron, "Sorry, excuse me, friend." and turns to the hobbit who is holding his pipe with out any other words to the human. "Thank ya, Miss." he nods. "Greatly appreciated," and he reaches for the pipe, and takes it. He doesn't have it for long, as the human he bumped into takes it from the dwarf's hand and in a quick motion snaps it. "You sticking longbeard, no one bumps into me!" he human says and pushes the dwarf's shoulder. Lethur isn't quick to push back, though. "Now, now, I said I was sorry..." he is cut off when the human speaks again, "Sorry won't do it, shorty." "Now, I don't want a fight." Lethur replies.

Megan too turns to look for the owner of the pipe, letting out a surprised sort of noise as she spots the dwarf- obviously having expected any hobbit or human, but not a dwarf...Briefly, she watches Percival leave, and it seems then that the cold, unfriendly look dissolves and is replaced by that bright and cheery expression- perhaps hoping to cheer Tig up again as well. "Good morning, Master Dwarf.. care to join us for some brea..." she stops, as he and the man begin to argue, a frown briefly crossing her face. Megan almost looks like she's about to exert her authority, but changes her mind and keeps quiet- not wanting to get involved in a fight with a dwarf and a man...

Banedil looks to the hobbit and her question. "Ahh, Well, there is a place far to the south end of the great Misty Mountains which is called Isengard. I know of the place because I know that there are many Dunlendings who have moved there, having been told so when I was young. Supposely, there is a great tower there, but I never got to see it." He arches a brow as the Dwarf gets into a quarrel with the man. "Just wrestle him!" He calls out. "At least, it would be a sport for the both of ye." He says with a grin. He looks to Megan as she invites him over and stops.

Stepping backwards quickly, Tig removes herself from the direct area of the dwarf and man. Her eyes are wide as she watches the exchange, and she almost trips over Megan in her quick move back. Stumbling for just a moment, she regains her footing quickly and slips around the sitting human lass, stopping on the other side and staying close to her friend, feeling very very small indeed right now. She peeks around Megan, unfortunately only barely registering that her question is being answered by the man called Banedil.

The human that Lethur bumped into doesn't seem to want to listen to the dwarf. He pushes the dwarf again as Banedil calls out. Lethur shakes his head. "I'm warning ye, sir. One more shove and I'll have ta fight ya. And I won't be going easy, either." The human just snorts and pushes again. But before his hand is even pulled back towards himself, Lethur grabs it with one hand and pulls. At the same time a dwarven fist is brought up, and the force of the hit itself and the pull going into the fist meets the human's face, and he drops to the ground with a bloody nose. He quickly scurries off on his hands and knees, leaving a small trail of blood.

"I warned him, didn't I?" Lethur asks a moment later as he relights his pipe. He turns to the Tigerlily, Banedil, and Megan. "Sorry if that cause any trouble. And did I hear the name Isengard? That there is an evil place, I'd tell ya."and this is said cheerfully as the dwarf takes a few puffs from his pipe.

The Breegirl reaches out to grab a hold of the hobbit lass- perhaps to reassure her, though her own eyes are wide and fearful as she watches the fight- though it's obvious to tell that she's quite impressed by the dwarf.. "No trouble- he asked for it, after all, you apologised.. So it aint no one's fault but 'is own.." bright brown eyes glance around at the others quickly, before turning back to the Dwarf.. "Would you like some pastries?" she offers again with a bright and sweet smile on her freckled-face.

Banedil nods to the dwarf, shrugging. "Never actually been there, I just know of it. When we were raiding into Rohan, our army got rather close to their lands." He says in heavily accented Westron. He shakes his head. "Ya haven't disturbed me, I'm rather used it." He offers his hand to the Dwarf. "Banedil, Chieftain of the Bear." He only used the title to explain his reason for being use to it. He looks to the hiding Hobbit before looking back.

"Oh, thank ya Miss, but no thank you." Lethur says, nodding to Megan, "I've had my share to eat today." as 'raiding into Rohan' is spoken, Lethur turns quickly to Banedil. His face, only for a moment, show surprise. "Ah. Well, we pass by there not long ago. We were attacked by Uruks and Uruk-Hais. I don't trust the idea of how they say a wizard live their, either." He shakes his head and takes Banedil's hand, shaking it. "Lethur, Senior Ambassador of Ered-Luin and Weaponsmith of clan Azundelbur." He nods once more, then looks over at the hobbit Tigerlily. He smiles, "You gave me my pipe back, and for that I think ya deserve a reward. Here ya are," and he tosses her a small silver coin.

Megan looks slightly disappointed as the offer for pastries is turned down. "You're sure? They're fresh from the bakery... and.." she trails off, listening to the long title of the Dwarf, before adding her own: "Megan Tasselberry.. of Bree.." and she glances back at Tigerlily to make sure she's handling everything alright.

Banedil chuckles as he watches the Dwarf reward the little lass. "Well, The Forgoil had been raiding back into our Southern Border for years. A..prophet of sorts showed up and roused the hearts of Dunlending to take it back to them. I had so many Bears going, I went to aleast make sure they were properly lead and protected. I will not have good men dying foolishly." He nods to him. "Aye. Ceardh is ahead the Misty Mountains, so we always attacked by Orc and Troll. We recently try to set up a new keep, hoping it will form a wall to keep em back, but they sent us back."

Reaching out with surprising deftness to pluck the coin from the air, Tigerlily brightens a bit, smiling at the dwarf. "Thank you, sir." She pauses a moment, before adding proudly, "I am Tigerlily Banks, Head Consultant of Foreign Affairs from the Peace and Progress Party of the Shire." Said in her best return to the different cadences of speech used in the Shire, Tig smiles sheepishly. "Well, Tig Banks, of Bree, if you please, as I don't 'old much wi' the fancy title others think ta' gi'me." She easily loses the Shire accent, slipping back into the Breespeech she has reacquired during her short return. Her eyes shift to the human after a long study of the dwarf.

"Aye, I have been in many a battle since I left my home last and before that," Lethur says, nodding, "I would never let the lesser warriors fight by themselves. Though I do not like it when I am the only warrior. Lately that has happened -- trolls are not to be fought when you are on your own." And the hobbit is nodded to once more, as well as both humans. "Pleased to meet all of ye', and yes Ma'am," he nods to Megan, "I'm sure I don't need a pastries. Maybe another time, though."

Megan listens somewhat interestedly to all this talk of battles and warriors and what-not, though has no stories of her own and so begins to grow bored of it, her attention wavering and so she begins to pack up the bakery treats and put them back into the basket- lining them all up neatly as if needing something more challenging to do than just put them away. Once finished, she seems to have nothing to do again, and so just looks about at each of them, saying nothing.

Banedil smiles to the Dwarf. "Well, if you sure some of your tales, I'll try to give some of mine." He offers. "My Clan has always tried to dedicated itself in protecting Dunland to the best of our ability. We have always been willing to race forward to give a shoulder or a sword to what threatens our home." He flinches at a memory of when a Troll sent him flying, leaving badly broken. "Aye." He looks to the Hobbit and smiles. "Well, good to meet you, Mistress Banks." He looks to Megan and at her handwork. "Didn't you say you once sent a Troll running or something along those lines?"

Lethur nods, "Yes, I suppose you are very well at protecting your home," Lethur says nodding. He looks down at Megan as the troll running thing is mentioned and he starts to speak, but is interupted by a tap on his shoulder from another dwarf. The other dwarf whispers in Lethur's ear and he nods. "Excuse me, but I have need to leave. I hope to see you all again in time." he then turns and follows the dwarf who had tapped him on the shoulder.

Megan looks to Banedil as he meantions something about a troll, and she tilts her head with a frown. "No.. I don' think so. Miss Ivyleaf said she once saw a little orc I think, but I haven't ever seen any trolls... even I wouldn't make up a story 'bout trolls...' and she looks up as the dwarf has to leave and so gives him a brief smile and wave. "Good day," she says. She looks sadenned to see Tig leave.. "I'll come find yeh when th' twins get here- we'll go out an' have some fun, ok?" and she hugs the hobbit lass quickly, worried because something still seems to be amiss.

Banedil nods his head to the Ambassador of sorts. "Good day to ya." He calls out before he turns to Tigerlily, nodding his head to her as well. "And pleasure to meet ya as well, Lass. If ya ever wish to talk. I'm in the Dunlending encampment on the other side of the market." He offers. He looks to Megan and nods to her. "Ahh, I must have gotten myself confused. My apologies. Da ya need to go as well?" He asks.

Megan shakes her head just slightly to Banedil, cool, calm and thoughtful eyes resting on him- she suddenly seems too quiet and too thoughtful. "No, No I can stay for a bit longer," she says, a faint smile briefing her lips. "I wonder.." she says, though her voice is quiet now, "Why that Percival chap had to say such things to her... " and she sighs, turning her eyes to the floor as if unable to work out some riddle that's bugging her. .

Banedil looks upon the Bree woman as she ponders on the question that bothers her. "Perhaps then I should leave you in to wonder about it?" He asks quietly. "If you are concerned, I would understand."

Megan's large brown eyes flick up to regard the man with a gentle smile. "Well, if you must leave, then leave- but otherwise I don't mind you staying here to talk some more.. I have known Tig for a very long time- it concerns me... but.." she takes a deep breath, closes her eyes quickly, and when they are opened again, she is wearing another mask and appears bright and cheerful again. "But it is no matter!" she pipes, "How are you enjoying your stay in Bree?"

Banedil smiles to Megan and nods gently to her. "Aye, It's has been fine. At least, I dinna have to worry about being attacked..at least for now. Still, I do miss home." He pauses for a moment and looks about the garden. "So..tell me how you met this Tigerlily."

Megan nods eagerly as he speaks. "At least the weather hasn't been bad- eh?" and she falls into though for a moment after his question as if trying to remember.. "We've known each other for so long... My parents might have known her parents.. or.. more likely I was out making trouble with my twin brothers and we bumped into her- she was a trouble maker too, so we got on right away- and since I didn't get along with my sister, she became like my proper sister because she enjoyed mischief as much as I did.." Megan smiles at the memories, though it appears as though she's stuggling to keep on that mask of happiness, her eyes slightly sad- perhaps there was a memory now tugging at her mind, or perhaps it was just the thought of her childhood that caused it..

Banedil chuckles out. "You were born to cause trouble together. Aye, I know what that's like..at least I did. I had a good friend like that..but I was never a troublemaker you see." He comments. "I haven't thought about him for a long time until now."

Megan smiles brightly and nods her head. "That's true.. People in Bree sometimes couldn't understand, because she was little and I was big.. but with the twins, we'd all go out and wreak havoc on poor Bree... it's been a while since we all four of us got together... " and now she lowers her voice slightly, her head tilting to the side. "Do you still see him?" and then she bites her lip quickly, looking as though she'd just made a great mistake- what if he had died! "You don't seem like a trouble making kind.." she said, hopefully directing the attention away from her question if it brought him pain.

Banedil chuckles softly to her. "Hmm..perhaps a reunion then is called for then." He says with a small smirk before shaking his head. "Nay. I haven't seen him in years. He...died. He died when Orcs destroyed my village when I was young."

"Well- the twins are coming to Bree proper either tomorrow or the day after... I don't think anyone around here knows yet... they'll know soon enough though- half the people of Bree panic when they see Jacob and Adrian pass by!" that bright, impish spark shines in Megan's eyes as she anticipates the arrival of her twin brothers.. "Oh.. I'm sorry..." and she glances to the ground with a sigh- regretting she had asked about it..

Banedil chuckles out. "Maybe ya could introduce me?" He offers before reaching out to pat her hand. "It's okay, Lass. Ya didn't know. Ya just let me remember...which can also be a good thing too."

Megan raises an eyebrow and studies the man for a moment, trying to imagine introducing him to the twins. "Well, I suppose I could- at least then you might be spared from getting egged, or having your vegetables..." she cuts herself off short and bites her lip, glancing away quickly. "Oh.. So long as I didn't upset you or anything," and she smiles gently.

Banedil chuckles softly again. "Well, if they are brothers of yours, then I should meet them." He leans forward as if to talk quietly to her. "Besides, I see and know nothing as long as Dunlending are not effected." He says with a grin. He shakes his head to her. "It's part of my past, Lass. I should remember it. I did make me who I am, after all."

Megan nods again, quickly. "No, No Dunlending will be affected! When they come, we'll find you and you can meet them then," she says, nodding once, having made her decision. "Well, that's alright then.." and she seems to be unsure of what else to say, so smiles softly instead and shrugs her shoulders once.

Banedil grins and reaches out, this time for her shoulder. "I believe ya, Lass. I wanna hear the tales though. I can almost imagine the scandalous fun." He chuckles out. He sighs out. "It's another of those burdens that rest upon yer shoulders if you must be in charge. Ya have to be responsible, ya must set an example for others to follow."

Megan's eyes drift to look at his hand for just a moment, before flicking back to his face. She looks thoughtful, as if trying to decide on which tale would be best to tell.. "We once stole all the early-morning bread that was delivered to the stone houses so the bakery got in trouble for it... meanwhile we were sitting at the top of Bree-hill, full as could be and not wanting another bite to eat for the rest of the day... Meanwhile all the Breefolk queued up outside the Bakery and demanded their bread..." an impish grin has spread across her face, though it's obvious she doesn't think this is the biggest thing she's ever done, she's apparently struggling for better examples.. "I don't think I could be a leader or a chieftain of anything much.. I can't focus on anything for long enough, or have responsibility..." she scrunches up her nose, and frowns thoughtfully..

Banedil leans his head back and laughs out loud. There is a large grin as he shakes his head. "Tis a good. Truely it is." He sighs at her last comment and shrugs. "Sometimes, Lass, ya don't have a choice. Sometimes, ya have to do the right thing for everyone and take the lead."

A delighted smile crosses Megan's face as he laughs- obviously glad that he enjoyed her story.. "When you meet the twins- you should ask Jacob for more stories- he remembers them better than I.." and for a while she says nothing more on what he said, still looking thoughtful.. "Still, I don't think I'd make a very good leader of anything..."

Banedil nods gently to her. "I will be sure to speak to them and try to get more stories out of them." He pauses before he smiles. "Wouldn't you be the leader of the twins and their trouble?" He teases.

Megan nods enthusiastically. "They'll love to tell you- especially if they know you won't tell anyone else or get them in trouble..." and she looks thoughtful- but it's only for the briefest of seconds as if she knew the answer already but needed to look as though she had to think of it. "No, not at all- Jacob is the leader, then Adrian- they're both older than me anyway, and then me and Tig.. but when it's just me and Tig I am, but then it's only two of us, so it doesn't count.."

Banedil chuckles before he nods to her. "Hmm..perhaps try to come back here then to meet them?" He offers. "I'm sure that they must listen to you. You have influence upon their decisions. An advisor perhaps?" He says with a smirk.

Megan shrugs her shoulders lightly.. "Well, we can come find you and then go somewhere to talk, because I don't know exactly when they're arriving..." and now she thought about what he had said about being an advisor, and nodded her head just lightly. "Yes, I think that's right- but we all give ideas.. For example, I'll say: How about cows? And then Adrian will go: "The cows from over the road?" and Jacob will think and go: "How about we chase the cows from over the road?.." and we'll agree with him, and go chase the cows from over the road.."

Banedil nods his head to her. "Aye, that will be fine with me, Lass. Just find me when you are ready. I'm sure they listen to many of your suggestions." He says with a smile before he looks up to the sky. "Well..I perhaps should head out. Thank ya for the breakfast. I am not use to such sweet things for breakfast."

Megan nods also. "I certainly will- and they'll be excited to meet a Dunlending too!" her own eyes shift to look up at the sky and widen slightly in surprise. "I'd best get home too! And you're welcome..." and she stands, brushing herself off and picking up the basket, waiting till he's stood so she could pack up the basket too. Then, she smiles softly at him- "Well... Good day.."

Banedil stands up with her, brushing himself off casually before he waves to her. "Good day, Lass. Take care now." He offers before looking about to find the way back home.

Another gentle smile, a nod- though a brief hesitation before she turns and heads slowly to the stone houses, humming quietly to herself