<b>The introductions once more done, the young woman – whose name they discovered to be Ellawynne, instructed two of her men to go out and make ready food. “I'm sure you must all be hungry now,” she stated to the group as she stood, her eyes never leaving Thorgan. “My personal dining tent is near, we'll go there and discuss your business in my lands.” <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>Food?” Merry piped up.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Food!” Pippen agreed, and the pair tumbled through the tent entrance, their noses twitching.</b><br/><br/>“<b>You'd think we never fed them.” Allassiel chuckled and shook her head, slipping her arm through Thorgan's as they followed the hobbits out. <br/>
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Behind her, Ellawynne's arm dropped to her side and she glared at the back of the elf's head before falling into step with the pair. “The small ones seem eager to eat. Are they always that way?”</b><br/><br/><b>Allasea let out a peal of laughter as she took Haldir's arm. “Indeed. I've never seen any eat as well, nor as often, as hobbits do. By my recollection, they eat as many as six times a day.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Seven,” Haldir corrected. “I counted.” He shook his head and reached out to hold the flap open for the others. “I've seen them eat as much as three of my own men. Where they put it ...” He shrugged, watching the last of the group pass through the entrance before he and Allasea followed.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I once got to visit with some passing hobbits. I'd never met anything like them before.” Pegawen tugged at her robe, snagged on a stone as they drew close to Ellawynne's dining tent. “Not only do they enjoy food, but they are great lovers of music and story.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>That is easily arranged. We have one of the finest bards in the lands here. He's traveled far and wide, and always comes back with something new – a tidbit of story, a new tune to share.” Ellawynne paused and motioned to a nearby soldier. “Go fetch Horn for me, I wish to have him play.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Yes ma'am!” The soldier took off towards the far side of the camp.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Now, I hope you've all brought your appetites, for I travel with only the best of everything.” Ellawynne smiled up at Thorgan, dropping a hand on his forearm, motioning with the other towards the open tent. “I'm sure you'll find our food to be superior to anything you've eaten recently.”</b><br/><br/><b>The smells wafting from inside the tent were, indeed, a testament to the young leader's statement, the mingling of herb and roasted meat, bread and other scents she couldn't place invited her to sit and enjoy. But as she noticed the woman's little gesture to Thorgan, she wondered what game she was playing. </b>