The Hobbit (Unexpected Journey, Desolation of Smaug) | Voice testing, homeless

[riddlearth]

I wish you'd warned me to expect company. I don't suppose it can be helped now, it's just that I'm so unprepared, you see, to host guests properly. There's only the two seedcakes from this morning, and, well, I suppose there's enough tea, but it's been a day since I stocked the larder, so what am I to do if that runs short? And the tobacco, I've three quarters of a pouch, perhaps, can't say if that'll be enough. I'm sure I haven't baked enough loaves, and as for the eggs, I'm not going to think about the eggs. Really, you'd better send them all away till I've had a chance to run out for some more supplies. Perhaps if I left a note on the door?

Comments

[let_it_go]

I can't imagine entertaining guests so suddenly. [Though she should now make a habit of it; the royal castle was always to be open for visiting ambassadors.] How many are you expecting?

[riddlearth]

That's just the thing, I couldn't say for sure. It might be a little or it might be quite a lot; makes for difficult planning. [ And it's so important to be a good host, for queens and hobbits alike. ]

[let_it_go]

[Her brows rose even higher.]

They never even sent an envoy or a message beforehand? [Wow rude!] That's unfortunate. I wish you luck with your endeavor.

However, if I may - I believe that guests would always enjoy chocolate fondue. It's a communal dish as well, so it's perfect for large parties.

[riddlearth]

Ah, well, I should prefer some notice, or rather, I'd prefer even more to do the inviting myself, but if a tired and hungry company comes to the door, it would be the height of rudeness to turn them away--

[ His ruminations pause at that suggestion, and he rubs his fingers over his brow. ]

Chocolate is very dear. I suppose I could manage...only, if it were to run out, and there were only enough for some and not all? No, better not to offer any, I think. Oh, but it's good of you to help.

[let_it_go]

[Elsa was not surprised that guests had invited themselves; she had always thought that it was the case, which was why the castle had been made as foreboding as possible for the longest time . . .]

Oh - [The cost of chocolate was something that she hadn't counted on, and she frowned to herself; she should have remembered that it was a luxury good.] I apologize. That was a silly suggestion. [She inclined her head graciously.]

I think perhaps vegetable stews are easier - and more affordable - to make in large quantities.

[riddlearth]

No, no, not at all silly. Think nothing of it.

[ He is, at least, a wealthy enough hobbit, enough to be comfortable anyway, and to be able to comfortably feed even a whole horde of travelers, only certain provender is too rare and difficult to come by. ]

That's true, that's quite true. A bowl of hearty stew is a fine thing to come home to and sit by the fire with, with some bread and cheese, of course, and some cake to follow it. Oh, and if I did not say so before, you're welcome to come around for some supper yourself. I don't think I heard your name?

[let_it_go]

That sounds delicious.

[She gave him a small smile. He seemed to really know his hospitality. Elsa decided that she'd learn a few things from him - she'd been thoroughly undereducated (by her own fault) on to how to entertain guests.]

Even with a large number already arriving? That's very kind of you. I should be delighted to join you for supper.

I am Queen Elsa of Arendelle. A pleasure to meet you. May I know your name as well?

[riddlearth]

[ Bag End does get its fair share of callers even in the course of an ordinary day, so he's used to it. Not entirely used to meeting and greeting queens, but he's had practice on dwarf kings and elf lords, so he manages not to be flummoxed at her introduction, or not too badly anyway. ]

Ah--Bilbo Baggins, of Hobbiton, at your service. Your Highness. [ Is that right? He's not sure that's quite right. ]

[let_it_go]

[Elsa let him know that he was doing okay by way of a small smile. She nodded graciously.]

Hello, Master Baggins.

[She was a far cry from the King Under the Mountain (to be) in terms of expectations or condescension (at least when it came to first meetings), so at least Bilbo had it easy there.]

Who are you expecting?