[Noinkling]

The tired Hobbit had slept late. Not meaning to, really, but the bed had been so comfortable and the heavy curtains drawn over the small window in the room had kept the sunlight out. Tolly woke with a start. He’d slept so heavily that he was not quite sure where he was. He hopped out of bed, and poured a little water from the pitcher into the washing bowl. A few splashes of the cool liquid against his face and he recalled that he had traveled to Bywater on business and had spent the night at the Inn.

His stomach growled as he dressed hurriedly and ran his fingers through his hair. He could smell the scent of freshly toasted bread and eggs fried in butter. With eager anticipation of a fortifying breakfast, he ran down the stairs and headed through the door to the Common Room.

It was already getting full, he could see as he looked around. But there, to his left was one of the Big Folk, sitting by himself. Tolly walked up to him and put his hand on the chair opposite the man. Keleth, it was, the fellow said, when Tolly introduced himself.

‘Mind if I join you for breakfast?’ Tolly asked.