Two figures, heavily cloaked entered the Prancing Pony; Fin, a solid but charming rogue and Celebmornie , his lady friend and resident nearby. They slid quickly into a pew to watch as Ned began his long, and obviously fraudulent story of ‘5 beasts’. Fin smiled and couldn’t help chuckling to himself when Gaddy refused him utterly.
The Hobbit, Ned, mumbled and tried for a second time, “and with a lot more truth! Fin thought to himself. Gaddy was still edging toward a ‘no’ when Fin stood and entered into the middle of the room.
“Come now good sir Furbarrow, surely you cannot turn away such capable help1” A low rumble of laughter crossed the room, during which Ned’s quick puff of the chest deflated further. “Larger numbers on a journey such as this would surely not hinder.”
“And what know you of this journey?” Gabby asked, hoping this strong man was interested.
“Well, good sir, I came with the idea of joining this little adventure, along with my friend Celeb, but,” and Fin’s voice turned to a sorrowful tone, “alas, if you are refusing such as Sir Brandybuck, then I have no chance. My only option is to leave again, unless you do decide to let him join. Then I may have a slim chance.”
Gaddy, silenced and unable to think, merely spoke on instinct, “you can both join.” There was no way he was letting this strong man slip through his grasp, and if Ned had to come, then maybe it wasn’t so bad.
“Excellent!” and with this shout Fin turned and made his way toward the bar. “An ale Celeb?” he asked questioningly.
She smiled and nodded.
As the ales were being poured Ned Brandybuck sidled deliberately slowly up to him.
“Ah, hello Ned!” Fin grinned at the hobbit.
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