Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn From: thomson@m.cs.uiuc.edu (Michael Thomson) Subject: Enter Saraman Message-ID: <1992May13.025604.18688@m.cs.uiuc.edu> Keywords: saraman gypsy sodo Date: Wed, 13 May 1992 02:56:04 GMT At the entrance another small battle is being waged, this time pitting a small family of three against the elements struggling to enter the inn. Following a brief struggle, the trio proves victorious with the thick oak door firmly holding the rain outside. After a brief search, the father figure makes eye contact with the overworked innkeep. "Saraman!" the friendly owner cries, "I heard you and your clan were headed this way! Oh my. Cassandra... I swear if I thought I could steal you away from Jaguar there, I'd leave the keeping of the Dragon to the Gods!" At this the svelte half-elven beauty blushes and surrenders to a light kiss on her cheek. The little boy that stands beside her acts somewhat more indignant. With a little pout and a very nasty glare he exclaims, "My name ain't Jaguar, it's Cougar!" The youth then ducks behind the girl's skirts provoking laughter from the heartless adults. With an appraising glance, the inkeep then turns to Saraman. Now holding his black cloak over his arm, he is dressed top to bottom in a tasteful dark grey, except for the maroon accessories of a bright scarf that partially covers his right ear, and a broad belt across his waist. A crystal earring hangs from his left ear, and a silver medalion hangs around his neck. "Ahem," starts Saraman, "We are going to need a room if possible, but...." "Oh no, not another loafer playing on my soft heart! My good intentions are going to ride me to my grave! Say, do those little guys you live among still put out all that tola juice?" "Now as always. We happen to have a bottle to spare." "Well then, perhaps some arrangement can be reached. Take the first room up the stairs, and to the left. I'll send some stewed cabbage up shortly." >From the back of the room an indignant voice declares, "Hey! 'keep, where are me fries!" "Well Saraman, I've got to get back to the kitchen. We can chat more tomorrow morning!" "Sorry friend, the kids and I have to get an early start. Our duties with the hamlet will have us passing though with some regularity though, and you should always be able to reach us by sending news through the gypsies asking for Sodo. As always your hospitality exceeds the requirements of a gracious host." "Aww shut your babbling and let me get back to work," the inkeep growls with a slight blush. With that exchange, the inkeep returns to his duties, and Saraman guides his two children up the stairs and to their room.