[Regin Hardhammer]

Despite the staunch set of Regin's shoulders, the Hobbit had been feeling queasy every since they'd stepped forward under the arching trees. There were too many tangled limbs reaching out to grab his leg and, with all the protruding roots, he found it difficult to push forward very fast. On top of all that, his temper and pride had been hurt by the tumble he'd taken a few minutes before.

So when Kalimac suggested that Regin's son and daughter voluntarily do babysitting, he was sorely tempted to turn towards his former landlord and respond with a resounding "No!". The Whitfoots had dragged him into this "adventure", tearing him away from the land he loved, and now they expected him to come forward and offer his children's services as well. It was one thing to help out when he was back in Bree and had benefitted from their land. Now he was out on the open road, one of the few Hobbits who commanded a cache of milk and eggs, and he felt he owed very little to Kalimac Whitfoot!

Plus, deep inside, there was something else nagging at Harold. Back home in Bree, his family had been happier. His dad hadn't always looked so upset and there was less fighting between May and her mother. Now it seemed that someone was always digging at someone else or giving them nasty looks. Since beginning his preparations for the journey, he had scarcely had time to speak with his daughter. And he was even more worried about Henry. The boy seemed to be off somewhere sulking in a corner and never saying a word.

Harold had a sinking feeling that somehow he'd lost a piece of his happy home, something worth more than all the pennies in the world. He blamed at least part of that loss on Kalimac Whifoot who'd helped to create the mess they were in, and he was not inclined to say "yes" to any request that the Fallohide made.

At that point another tree root managed to reach out for Harold's ankel and for the second time that evening he went sprawling on the ground. Harold stubbornly refused to take the helping hand that Whitfoot offered him, instead getting up on his own and dusting off his jacket. Just at that minute Sarah walked over to make sure he was alright.

He leaned down to his wife and whispered a few private thoughts in her ear. She looked surprised but then smiled and nodded in agreement after whispering something back. Regin faced Kalimac and spoke, "I'll be honest with you, Mr. Kalimac. You've always been a good landlord, letting us get a bit behind on the rent a few times when things were really tough. And I know you are an honest, fair man. And I do think May and henry would make very good babysitters for your children."

By this point, Kalimac was smiling broadly.

"But....." continued Harold, taking a moment or two to collect his thoughts. "We're out here in the wilds and I have to provide for my family the best I can, since there are no fields to till or gardens to tend. And, since you are so honest and fair, I'm sure you'll understand, sir......"

Kalimac looked puzzled as Harold took a deep breath and finally plunged forward. "You, see, it's only fair that my lad and lass should get paid for their work. It will be hours of toil for them that will take them away from other useful things. Sarah and I agree that the responsibility would do them good, but only if they are given a fair wage for their time and their services."

Sarah nodded at Harold, proud to see her husband making such a brave stand. Then they both turned to Kalimac awaiting his reponse.