[Cimmerian]

With a loud deafening crash, the large hobbit lad fell through the roof of the tavern. Startling everyone in the place. Picking himself up, he staggered forward in unsteady steps, up to the bar, "Another flagon of ale," he slurred.

The tavern keeper eyed him in annoyance, and poured out the drink. This hobbit was a walking disater but he did pay for his excesses.

The disheveled hobbit noticed a young hobbit lad staring at him, and he grinned back. He was Barocas Headstrong, and he loved to fight and drink. And maybe a hobbit lass or two along the way. Living his life mostly on the road, this unusually large hobbit loved to travel and meet new people and explore new lands.

Dragging his ale mug along, he flopped down next to the young hobbit. "Hello, me lad... how are ye this fine morn?"

"I am well," replied the young hobbit, amused by this clumsy fellowman. "I am called Dinodas, and what may I call you."

"Drunk!" the large hobbit replied and then fell into a fit of raucous mirth, slapping his knees.

Wiping his eyes, his laughter abated, he replied, "I am called Barocas Headstrong. And I am a travelling man, I love to boldly go where no hobbit has gone before." He waved his hands across in a wide arc.

Dinodas raised an eyebrow and smiled in amusement. "You don't say. I have need of a travelling companion, Barocas... pray tell, would you like to accompany me on a quest for all hobbit kind."

Barocas emptied the ale with a long gulp and slammed the mug down on the table. "And who are you, my bright eyed friend?" he asked, his eyes blurry.

Dinodas sighed. Better than wandering alone, he thought as Barocas erupted into another fit of ribald merriment.

[ August 28, 2002: Message edited by: Cimmerian ]