[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Snaveling listened in growing alarm to Toby’s frantic avoidance of what was troubling him. It was clear to him that the Halfling had fallen on hard times and that his presence at the Inn was not the casual circumstance that he was trying to make it to be. There was one thing about Tobias’s manner that confused Snaveling and that was the fellow’s odd attitude to Aman. He seemed pleased to see her, and yet strangely uncomfortable in her presence. Snaveling’s heart went out to the poor girl, for this was the second time this evening that an old friend had greeted her with reservation.

In an attempt to calm the old hobbit and give everyone time to think – including himself – Snaveling eagerly accepted the offer of pipeweed from Jinniver. Opening the pouch he was greeted with a particularly gracious smell that spoke of the gentle airs and careful tending of the Southfarthing. He could see Toby’s eyes light up and mist over at the scent, and Snaveling knew how badly his friend wanted to enjoy a smoke. They quickly filled their pipes, a business that prevented any further conversation for a minute or two. Snaveling offered to pay Jinniver for the weed, but she shook her head and somewhat grandly declined payment. “But I insist,” Snaveling pressed, withdrawing a pouch from his belt. “I am not used to taking things without paying for them” – and as he said this he managed to avoid the gazes of Aman and Toby – “nor do I have to. I have ample funds, and – to be frank – I rather suspect that you would be sorely pressed to give away such a store of your precious goods, my lady.” Opening the pouch, Snaveling revealed a tidy sum of gold and silver coins. Aman’s breath caught in her throat, and although he made no sound, Toby’s demeanor conveyed as clear as glass both his astonishment and his desire to share in Snaveling’s newfound wealth.

“Oh, well,” Jinniver began somewhat awkwardly, “You know, I don’t like to take money for a gift, but it is a rather costly pouch of pipeweed. Perhaps I would accept a token payment for it, just a bit above what I paid for it, mind, to cover travel expenses and the like.” Snaveling asked how much she thought would be fair, and handed over the amount immediately upon hearing it. That having been settled he placed the pouch back at his waist and turned to Aman. “Our friend may not be hungry, but I could use a bite of that delicious lamb. Perhaps you could bring me a plate?” And as he spoke he winked to Aman quickly, unnoticed by the Halfling who was still buried in the smoke of what looked to be his first pipe full of weed in days.