Chapter 17
The company once again found themselves in the Hall of the city Edoras, many had come for the celebrations. Upon their arrival the company had taken time to wash and cast off their armour and put on something a little more comfortable for the evening.
The King stood before his people as Eowyn come forth bearing a celebratory cup, a smile present upon her face as she delivered it.
Théoden raised his cup, signalling for the rest of his people to do the same. Those present stood raising their cups waiting for their King to speak. "Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victories dead." He announced raising his cup higher.
A chorus of "Hails" was returned before all drank from their cups in respect for those whom had fallen.
The room was silent as they drank, The hobbits stood closely together feeling a little uncomfortable surrounded by such large people inclosing them, however they were pleased with the large cups of ale that had been provided to them for the toast.
In the far corner stood the two elves and dwarf all three beholding a look of sorrow upon their faces in memory of those who had been lost, just the other night.
The hall however did not remain quite for long as people had begun celebrating their victory with food and refreshments.
The evening was in full swing with the hobbits off doing their own thing, while Gimli sat at a table with Legolas and Bee standing near by watching Eomer as he handed out drinks to waiting men. As he explained the rules for a traditional Rohinian drinking game.
"No pauses. No spills" he told them as he hands Legolas a cup of ale.
"And no regurgitation." Gimli added sounding as if he had already had too much to drink. Bee smile at the look on Legolas's face, he looked a little confused.
"So it's a drinking game?" he questions which lead to the nearby men erupting in cheers.
"Last one standing wins" Gimli announced. Legolas looked down upon the cup as if not seeing the point in such a game, Bee rolled her eyes snatching a drink from a already drunk man who lay across another table passed out. With that Gimli tipped back the drink with a gurgling sound as he chugged it down.
"Let's drink to victory!" One man yelled causing the others once again to cheer and begin to drink their ale.
The game went on, as one after another succumbed to the drink, leaving only Legolas and Gimli left. Bee found herself leaning against the nearby pillar watching and slightly impressed at how well the other elf was doing, she had to admit the taste of ale was not a pleasant one even though she would quite often find herself drinking it if possible.
After a few more drinks Gimli found that he needed to stand from his seat and let off a very obvious fart, causing Eomer to glance over at the dwarf with a slightly concerned look upon his face. Gimli chuckled to himself as another pint of ale was handed to him.
"It's the Dwarves that go swimming with little, hairy women." He announced to confusion of others, earning himself many blank looks. Burping once before taking another drink to his mouth.
Legolas put down yet another cup and looked down at his hands "I feel something" he announced, causing Eomer to raise his eyebrows in shock. Bee simply laughed taking another swing from her cup.
"A slight tingle in my fingers" Legolas confessed sounding a little worried by the sudden development.
"I think it's affecting me."
"Aww, no I've had that last time, my fingers almost dropped off" Bee piped up earning a worried glance from Legolas before he took hold of his fingers as if that would stop them from falling off.
"What did I say?" Gimli slurred holding up his cup "He can't hold his liquor" and to no ones surprise as he fell backwards knocked out.
"Game over" Legolas stated simply.
Meanwhile in another corner of the hall, the hobbit's had become raucous. The crowd had tired of stories, now that the drink had caused their concentration to wan. So they called instead for a song. Emboldened by the ale Pippin called to Merry. "How about the one about the Green Dragon?"
Celandine shouted her approval and clapped her hands "Go on Merry!"
Drink in hand; Merry sprang up onto the top of the table, wobbling only a little. The crowd cheered as Pippin scrambled up to join him. Celandine led the crowd in a time keeping clap as the two began to whirl around, linked by the arms, kicking things off the table to make room. Together in their high clear voices they sang
"Oh, you can search far and wide
You can drink the whole town dry
But you'll never find a beer so brown
But you'll never find a beer so brown
As the one we drink in our hometown
As the one we drink in our hometown!"
Together they leapt and stamped their feet for a few beats before continuing, kicking their legs up high.
"You can drink your fancy ales
You can drink 'em by the flagon"
They came apart, still dancing, turning to look at one another.
"But the only brew for the brave and true
Comes from the Green Dragon!" They smashed their mugs together and knocked them back. The crowd cheered and did like wise.