Fáinu looked darkly about the room. He knew not what he could do. He sat there deep in thought, weighing his options one by one. He took a drink from his mug and looked back at her.
"Much I would do," he began at last, "To help one in such plight. Deep wounds you bear, wounds of history. And I perceive, that some you know not the origins of. Indeed, I know those wounds, for I bear them myself."
He was silent again and went back into deep thought. At length an Old Dwarf came into the Inn, he was weary and coughed as he entered.
"Fáinu!" he spluttered, "I am going to Bree, I tell you so that you need not seek me."
"Very good, Dwaline." Said Fáinu, then, remembering his manners, "This is Aduthondiel, a friend of mine." The dwarf bowed and coughed, he took out a pipe and placed some weed in it.
"I'll be off then." Said Dwaline turning and puffing smoke, "Not like I'm wanted in Half-ling country."
"Dwaline, wait!" Cried Fáinu, "I must bid you do one thing."
"Name it, I shall do it." Said the Dwarf, "If it is in my power." He coughed and spluttered again.
"On the road," Fáinu began, "find what news you can of one named Hama. Send what news you gain to me, ether here or at Rivendell."
"Very well," Dwaline turned again and walked briskly out of the Inn. Hoof steps were heard slowly getting faster as the Dwarf rode away. Fáinu looked back at Adu and smiled.
"Perhaps this will ease your mind." he said, "He may be old, but Dwaline can get news better than most that I know." he then took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Adu. "Come, put worry aside for a time."
Just behind them a small fat Hobbit began a drunken song, which resulted in him falling from his chair and looking up at Fáinu.
"Who are you supposed to be?" he asked in a drunken slur, "Can I have a drink pal?"
The other Hobbits then picked him up and dragged him out. Fáinu smiled at Adu with a raised eyebrow suggesting amusement at the Hobbit's antics. She smiled back, weather she was amused, or fained it he could not tell.
|