[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

As they made their way over to the stables, Aleia stopped Anwir and faced him.

"Now, Anwir, you'd best be promising me this: that you won't be stealing from the stables. The Horse is a kind place, but only for those with good intentions. You won't be taking anything from the White Horse premises, will you?" she asked. Anwir gulped and said with a determined face, "No, miss lady. I won't steal anything from this here place. It's real nice."

Aleia smiled and ruffled Anwir's hair, saying, "That's right, lad." When they got into the stables, Aleia was about to call for Leofan when he stepped out of a stall.
"Well, well, what's this?" he asked, eyeing the pair.

"This is Anwir, a young man who was caught thieving in the market. I brought him to you because I thought you might need an extra hand in the stables," answered Aleia. Anwir still looked a little wary, and he kept close to Aleia's side. Leofan looked skeptical, and he said, "How can I trust this boy not to take anything from the stables?"

Aleia nudged Anwir, and he took a deep breath and said, "I won't take anything from the White Horse or the stables, sir. This place is real nice. I promise that I won't take anything. I promise!" He looked up at Leofan and a smile lit up his grim little face.

Leofan chuckled and said, "Well, boy. You had better stick to your promise, or a real punishment will be in hand. You don't need to thieve to get by around here. A good honest day's work will get you a meal."